The Golden Ray went aground and partially capsized in Georgia’s St. Simons Sound on September 7, 2019. The wreck of the capsized PCTC has taken more than a year to remove from St. Simons Sound, Georgia. See Cutting Chain Failure.
Rigging the cutting gear for the fourth cut (St. Simons Sound Incident Response)
Photos: Work Begins on Fourth Cut Through the Hull of the Golden Ray
Shortly after restarting operations on the third cut through the hull of the wrecked roll-on/roll-off carrier Golden Ray, salvors have been forced to stop work again and shift to the next section due to another broken chain link. See Golden Ray Removal.
Fuel oil spill cleanup inside of the environmental protection barrier, February 25 (St. Simons Sound Incident Response)
Cutting Chain Failure Forces Golden Ray Salvors to Shift Efforts
Maritime Executive
More photos. The wreck of the capsized PCTC Golden Ray has taken more than a year to remove from St. Simons Sound, Georgia. Also see Safety Zone and Golden Ray.
Cutting operations to separate Section Seven from the Golden Ray wreck resume, Feb. 4 (St. Simons Sound Incident Response)
Golden Ray Wreck Removal Resumes After Broken Chain Connector
Maritime Executive
Rocket launches will require monthly closures of St. Andrews Sound, Christmas Creek, offshore waters, and the Intracoastal Waterway. We won’t be able to fish, crab, shrimp or boat around Cumberland Island. If a launch is scrubbed, the closures will extend for days.
Contact the DNR to oppose Camden spaceport. It’s not consistent with Georgia’s Coastal Zone Management. Send your comments by March 8, 2021, to Diana Taylor, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or CRD.Comments@dnr.ga.gov.
Camden’s spaceport will close our waterways
Brunswick News
The wreck of the capsized PCTC Golden Ray has taken more than a year to remove from St. Simons Sound, Georgia. This is the first clear view of the autos lost. Also see Safety Zone.
© Savannah Corps of Engineers via Facebook The Golden Ray has been awaiting removal since September 2019, when the 656-foot-long ship caught on fire and capsized with 4200 newly built vehicles on board.
Capsized Car-Carrying Cargo Ship Cut in Half as Salvage Continues
CarandDriver
Video: Stern Section of Golden Ray Removed on Barge
Maritime Executive
The wreck of the capsized PCTC Golden Ray may take more than a year to remove from St. Simons Sound, Georgia, the U.S. Coast Guard told local leaders recently.
Maritime Executive
7/27/20 Golden Ray Salvage Delayed Due to COVID-19 Outbreak, Weather Risk
Maritime Executive
7/9/20 Barge Crew at Golden Ray Site Tests Positive for COVID-19
Maritime Executive
3/4/20 Contractors Install Protective Barrier for Golden Ray Salvage
Maritime Executive
2/28/20 Overturned Cargo Ship Soon To Be Sliced Up And Removed From Georgia Sound
KPBS
2/27/20 Competing Golden Ray Salvors Face Court
Maritime Executive
2/3/20 Environmental Protection Barrier to be Built Around Golden Ray
Maritime Executive
12/13 Lightering of Fuel from Golden Ray Complete
11/23 Removal of Grounded PCTC Golden Ray Could Take One Year
Maritime Executive
This artificial reef is on the northwest shore of Jekyll Island, just east of the Waterway and north of the Waterway’s turn into Jekyll Creek. Advise staying well west of ICW lighted buoys 21 and 1.
GEORGIA – ST. SIMONS SOUND: Inshore Artificial Reef deployment
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) intends to deploy 120 concrete oyster balls and 10 fish aggregating devices (FADs) at Henry Vassa Cate Reef. Oyster balls are prefabricated concrete structures that weigh 50 lbs each and FADs consist of a concrete base and PVC tines.The Henry Vassa Cate Inshore Artificial Reef site footprint (3.67 acres) is located along the northwest area of Jekyll Island, St. Simons Sound, Glynn County in the vicinity of 31-06-13.680N/81-25-30.660W (31°6.2280N / 081°25.5110W, 31.103800 / -81.425183) . Deployment dates are weather dependent and subject to change, but is anticipated to
occur between July 9 -16, 2020. (0°16.0000N / 2020°0.0000W, 0.266667 / -2020.000000) For further information, contact GADNR Habitat Unit, Cameron Brinton at (912) 280-6926 or cameron.brinton@dnr.ga.gov. Chart 11506 LNM 27/20
Darien City Docks lie along the northern banks of the Darien River, hard by the charted 31-foot fixed bridge, in the heart of downtown Darien, which is 7 nautical miles off AICW statute mile 651.5 via the fully marked Darien River Channel, featuring minimum 14 foot depths. Recent repairs to the docks add to the attractiveness of this lovely river port.
Up A Lazy River… Enjoy Darien Georgia
All along the 1,153 miles of Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, there are many rivers and creeks that meander off the ICW, inviting those with adventurous spirits to quaint, historical, charming towns and villages. Coastal Georgia offers several. About seven miles off the ICW, westward up the Darien River, the town of Darien is nestled in these barrier islands of Georgia.
As you cruise through Georgia, take an excursion off the beaten ICW path, along the banks of the Darien River to the quaint town of Darien, Georgia. This part of the down east, Georgia low country is part of what is affectionately called the “Golden Isles”. A small bit of trivia, it is said that the term “Golden Isles” was actually coined in the town of Darien. Sitting on the banks of the Darien River in an area of Georgia that is described by some as “one of the most important tidal estuarine environments in the world.”
So, lets go…..anchors aweigh !!
Arrival at the former Port of Darien, sitting in the midst of a vast coastal tidal estuary; among winding creeks with seemingly endless panoramic views of marshlands and small islands (called hammocks), you’ll find yourself surrounded with raw nature and fresh air. Your cruise up the Darien River will provide you with some interesting waters to ply, that have been used since the earliest days of the British presence in North America.
Enjoy the warm welcoming hospitality, their rich cultural history, southern charm, yummy locally prepared foods, and fun specialty shops. It is said if you come for a day, you may want to extend your stay.
Darien River Waterfront Park and Docks, welcomes you with overnight fees of only $1.00 per foot and this includes water and electric. Call this 912-437-6659 during normal business hours to make a reservation or after hours or weekends call 912-223-6821. Nice park area, adjacent to the town, and floating concrete docks, and welcoming hospitality, all to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Visit the historic sites such as Fort King George (complete with reenactments), the very first fort built on Georgia’s soil by the British.
Visit Darien at certain times of the year and you’ll be treated to vibrant festivals held along Darien’s Waterfront Park and along the streets of its newly revitalized downtown area. You will want to visit the Butler Plantation and rice fields, old churches, cemeteries and monuments.
Immerse yourself in a world where flowers bloom in every season, where butterflies and birds abound, and clear, blue skies form the backdrop for ancient evergreen oaks festooned with exotic, hanging moss. In November, the Darien Fall Fest features classic car shows, street vendors, helicopter and boat tours, fun for the kids, and musical entertainment.
There’s something new to see and do around every corner.
You might even find yourself listening to or trying to understand another language. That’s right, Gullah is a unique creole language spoken along the Sea Islands and adjacent coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. The residents in these areas of Georgia are typically referred to as “Geechee”. Gullah language began as a simplified form of communication among people of different languages including Europeans and diverse African ethnic groups. The vocabulary and grammatical roots come from European and African languages. Gullah Geechee language is the only distinctly African creole language in the United States and has influenced traditional Southern vocabulary and speech patterns. The culture and fascinating history and lives of the Gullah Geechee folks are an important part of this area of Georgia. You can learn more here: https://gullahgeecheecorridor.org
Want to get off the boat for a few days; enjoy a long warm shower after a day of sightseeing around Darien and surrounding area; then sink into the charm and comfort of the Darien Waterfront Inn Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy sitting on the porch and let the gentle breezes soothe your soul. JoAnn Viera offers this relaxing, renewing, river front sanctuary, for your enjoyment. They also offer free shuttle service to the grocery store so you can re-supply before continuing on.
https://www.darienwaterfrontinn.com/
If you need supplies, the First Georgia Hardware and Marine Supply store is only a few hundred yards from the Darien Waterfront Docks and Park.
Fresh produce and seasonal favorites are available within a very short walk to “Turnip Greens Country Market”. You just can’t beat fresh !
Speaking of “fresh”, if you want a break from preparing meals, you are in for a treat, as there are a number of places to enjoy fresh, local dishes prepared only as these fine folks can do. Just to mention some that others have spoken favorably about are the, Waterfront Wine & Gourmet, Blue Bay Mexican, B&J’s Seafood, and Skipper’s Fish Camp.
There are floating docks at Skippers and the first 48 hours are free. No water or electric, but we did say “free” for 48 hours. Puts you right at the kitchen door, almost on their riverfront porch. Skippers Fish Camp is located just under and on the west side of the Highway-17 bridge. It is, a great place to meet and make new friends while dining in this wonderful down-east, coastal town atmosphere.
Be sure to check out the bar and table tops, fashioned from timbers that had been floated down the Altamaha River from the interior during Darien’s days as a major port for timber export in the late 1800s. These milled timbers, salvaged from Brunswick, Georgia’s Oglethorpe Hotel, were saved and used as double flooring in Skippers Seafood Company’s legendary “poker shack”. The Oglethorpe Hotel was used in the Hollywood movie, The View from Pompeii’s Head. So, when you eat in the restaurant or hoist a cool one at the bar, you will be enjoying Georgia history and Hollywood history as well!
Here’s what some of those who’ve visited by boat have said about the good times they enjoyed during their visits to Darien:
Darien is a very pleasant side trip off the AICW, located 7 miles west of the AICW between Dolby and Altamaha Sounds at about MP 651. Turn into the Darien River at AICW Red 184, keeping it to port when turning into the river. Once past this point, markers are red-right-returning. The river is generally wide and deep. Pay particular attention to Red 12 and nearly adjacent Red 14, as their position in the river looks like they should be green, but they are RED. Keep between them and the nearby south bank. The rest of the trip is straight forward. Keep to the outside on turns and watch for floating vegetation. The outside of the last dock is usually open for transients and can handle large boats, depending on room at the time. Call ahead at 912-437-6659 to check availability. Approach to the facing dock into the current is easy and if you call ahead, Dockmaster Wyn will catch your lines. If you like the lowlands, this is a beautiful and wild stretch. The town is delightful and within a few blocks of the floating docks. Plenty for cruisers to do for a couple days. Because it can take some time to get there, depending on direction of the current. Darien is best as a visit destination and not a quick stopover along the AICW, at least for us slow boats. Darien rates are a dollar a foot including water and 30 amp electric, and I was told they will soon have free bicycles for use of overnight guests. Fuel is available at a nearby service station.
Frederick B.
Found plenty of water on the Darien river. Chose to dock here to wait for tide to transit Little Mud creek.
It is 7 miles up the river, but was more than worth it. The volunteer dockmaster was very friendly and
helpful. Dinner at Skippers was great and the best Key Lime pie ever!…………. A. B.
We just spent a couple days on the town dock in Darien GA… This town is very boater friendly and the
people were welcoming. We received a complimentary glass of wine one night while visiting the
Waterfront Wine & Gourmet, who also had live entertainment and a great wine selection. We ate some of the best shrimp we’ve tasted at B&J Seafood. We visited King George Fort and the Rice Plantation.
Well worth a visit. A must do!… R & T
A quaint shrimping town N of Brunswick and well worth the stop… Floating concrete docks are
conveniently located right downtown…. Great food within walking distance – we’ve tried Skippers, B&J’s,….. all outstanding. Fort King George is an interesting historic site and the town has great bicycle trails around the perimeter of the city and within. The historic Butler rice plantation is 1 mile south,
Piggly Wiggly is 1.2 miles away, and a well-stocked Hardware/Marine Supply store is a couple of blocks away…W and R
For our boating friends, coming by water, check your charts and you will see that the Darien River offers plenty of depth most of the way. There are some skinny places as you get up river, but doable. I would recommend traveling on no less than half-tide rising. Here’s a chartlet from Cruisers Net, https://cruisersnet.net/
when turning into the river. Once past this point, markers are red-right-returning. The river is generally wide and deep. Pay particular attention to Red 12 and nearly adjacent Red 14, as their position in the river looks like they should be green, but they are RED. Keep between them and the nearby south bank. The rest of the trip is straight forward.
If you cannot come by sea, then please do so by land. Take time to enjoy a very special slice of down-east, coastal Georgia’s hospitality. Just a hop, skip, and jump off Interstate 95 and you are in the heart of Darien. Take exit 49 off I-95 onto Georgia State Highway#251 which leads you into US Hwy 17 and you are there.
Now that you know a little more about Darien, you are invited to visit and take a closer look at this very special place and enjoy some of its unique offerings. You will remember Darien as one of those towns where you had a great time and created new memories. Here’s a link to their website, take a look and plan this Fall to visit Darien.
http://www.cityofdarienga.com/en/ct-menu-item-15/ct-menu-item-21
© Salty Southeast Cruisers Net, LLC
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Darien City Docks
The pilot on board the capsized car carrier Golden Ray deliberately took the vessel out of the channel and grounded her, according to a report in The Brunswick News. The 656-foot vessel capsized on September 8 in St. Simons Sound while heading out to sea with 4,200 vehicles onboard. See LNM Capsized Vessel.
Golden Ray: Rock Operations Commence
Maritime Executive
Inside Golden Ray – A cargo assessment has taken place on the ninth deck
Maritime Executive
Rocks to be Placed Around Golden Ray
Maritime Executive
White Smoke Coming from Golden Ray
Maritime Executive
Golden Ray to be Disassembled on Location
Maritime Executive
Overturned cargo ship to be disassembled in St. Simons Sound
WTOC via Chip Plyler on Save Georgia’s Anchorages
Pilot Deliberately Grounded Golden Ray
Maritime Executive Newsletter
I went to the wreckage area in my boat and observed that the Golden Ray was lying perpendicular to the edge of the channel. To me, that adds credence to the intentional grounding theory.
Our thanks to Frederick Braman for this detailed trip up the Darien River and visit to Darien’s waterfront.
Darien is a very pleasant side trip off the AICW, located 7 miles west of the AICW between Dolby and Altamaha Sounds at about MP 651. Turn into the Darien River at AICW Red 184, keeping it to port when turning into the river. Once past this point, markers are red-right-returning. The river is generally wide and deep. Pay particular attention to Red 12 and nearly adjacent Red 14, as their position in the river looks like they should be green, but they are RED. Keep between them and the nearby south bank. The rest of the trip is straight forward. Keep to the outside on turns and watch for floating vegetation. The outside of the last dock is usually open for transients, and can handle large boats, depending on room at the time. Call ahead at 912-437-6659 to check availability. Approach to the facing dock into the current is easy and if you call ahead, Dockmaster Wyn will catch your lines. If you like the lowlands, this is a beautiful and wild stretch. The town is delightful and within a few blocks of the floating docks. Plenty for cruisers to do do for a couple days. Because it can take some time to get there, depending on current direction, Darien is best as a visit destination and not a quick stopover along the AICW, at least for us slow boats. Darien rates are a dollar a foot including water and 30 amp electric, and I was told they will soon have free bicycles for use of overnight guests. Fuel is available at a nearby service station.
Frederick Braman
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Darien City Docks
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! For timely remarks on Cumberland Island Anchorage, see Anchoring off Cumberland Island.
On Tuesday, 0/20/2018, Sanctuary and crew transited from Walburg Creek anchorage to an anchorage on the Cumberland River, south of St. Andrews Sound, off the ICW at Cumberland Island. Observations follow:
We arrived at the Little Mud River at 11h00. The tide station at Wolf Island was reporting 5.1’+ rising. North to south:
R184 12.9′
13.4′ low water between markers
G184/R188 19.6′
10.2′ low water between markers
G189 20.7′
R190 15.1′
11.0′ low water between markers
R192 13.9′
11.0′ low water between markers
G195 11.8′
10.9′ low water between markers
R194 11.1′
G195 12.2′
The control depth was (10.2 – 5.1) = 5.1 and MLLW. Follow the visual center of the river on the straight section and SLIGHTLY favor the outside radius of the curves. We were too close to G195, but that wasn’t the low water anyway.
In Altamaha Sound, you must clear R208 by at least 300′; stay to the far green side for the best water.
In Altamaha Sound, clear G211 by 200′. There is a range there that will take you too close to G211, so do not follow the range; favor red for the best water.
We arrived at Jekyll Creek and 17h08. The tide station at Jekyll Island Marina was showing 4.9’+ falling. North to south:
G5/R6 11.5′
G7/R8 22.4′
R10 15.2′
G11 12.5′
9.9′ low water between markers
G13 10.0′
9.6′ low water between markers
R16 9.7′
G17 5.7′
G19 8.6′
6.1′ low water between markers
R20 8.0′
7.8′ low water between markers
R20A 8.9′
BRIDGE 10.2′
We were at 1/2 tide for this transit. The control depth was in the vicinity of G17 (5.7 – 4.9) = 0.8′. Wow. Could we have been is a less than ideal place? Sure. But this creek is quite narrow, so it wouldn’t have made a lot of difference. There’s very skinny in that area.
Jekyll Creek and Hell Gate are the two places we’ve seen so far that will require help from the tide for most boats to get through.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. My young daughters always declared the beach spooky because of the skeletal trees and dense forest to the east! While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal northwest of Middle Ground in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed. Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg!
On Monday, 10/29/2018, Sanctuary and crew travelled from Port Royal, SC to Walburg Creek, GA. Following, some observations:
We arrived at Ramshorn’s Cut at 10h15 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Daufuskie Landing) showing 5.8+ rising. We saw 11.0 ft, so (11.0 – 5.8) = 5.2′ at MLLW. The channel between G39 and R40 has narrowed further. We took the visual center.
We arrived at the un-named connector between the New River and the Wright River at 10h38 with the tide station at Daufuskie Island (Hargray Pier) showing 6.2+ rising. We saw 12.2 ft, so (12.2 – 6.2) = 6.0′ at MLLW. Follow the visual center. Honor, but stay away from, the lateral markers on pilings.
We arrive at Field’s Cut at 11h06 with the tide station at Field’s Cut showing 7.6+ rising. Southbound, take the visual center between G47 and R48, and line up on Field’s Cut. HONOR R48A, which appears off-station to the East. We saw 11.2 ft passing about 25 ft off R48A, so (11.2 – 7.6) = 3.6′ at MLLW. This was a surprise! We followed the visual center of Field’s Cut, favoring the outside radius of the turns. That 3.6′ area was the control depth of the cut. Cross-currents are significant at the Savannah River. Be alert for river traffic and cross currents.
There was a large, working crane barge at the Causton Bluff bridge. It appears “they” are replacing that bridge with a high rise. Another surprise.
We arrived at Hell Gate (MM600) at 14h18, with the Egg Islands Tide Station reporting +7.0 falling. Depths we saw:
G87 13.5′
G89 10.4′
9.8 low water between markers
R90 10.9
G91 10.4
So (9.8 – 7.0) = 2.8′ MLLW. Also note, as you enter this cut from the Vernon River, there is a STRONG cross current that will try to sweep you sideways. Boats will need some power and some aggressive steering to stay on the best route. We crabbed into the lee of the current at about a 20° angle. There is a prominent visual distraction just to the west of the marked channel. There is a piling left over from some previous danger mark standing prominently, while the red and green floaters that mark the channel are low to the water and hard to see. Do not confuse that piling as a valid channel marker. Follow and honor the cans and nuns in the water
Net: the overall condition of the A-ICW continues to deteriorate. Most cruising boats will need some tide help to get through this section. Plan accordingly.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage
Passed thru Fields Cut on Nov 9, 2018, and found a minimum of 8 feet MLW at north end of Fields Cut. But there are two possible "gotchas". R48A appears to be off station, but it is not. For best water pass half way between R48A and the eastern shore. Also, be aware that once you turn to enter Fields Cut, (if southbound) you will be subject to strong cross currents.
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire Waterway from Norfolk to Miami. Our thanks to Stephanie Wakelin for this report as posted on Bob423. And, as Skipper Wakelin confirms, Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only. Also see the Healy Report on Little Mud River from Fall of last year.
10/25 – just went thru Little Mud River on rising, almost high tide. 7.5’ above MLW. The most water we saw thru the whole stretch was 9.9 under our 4.9’ keel. That means at low tide we would have 2.6’ under our keel, at best. Many spots showed 7.5’ and less. Essentially dry. Unless you’re in an airboat, don’t try it at low tide.
Stephanie Wakelin
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net’s AICW Problem Stretches Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Georgia’s Ossabaw Island forms the northern shore of the mouth of St. Catherines Sound. Mike Dalton is asking about the history of Ossabaw after reading Claiborne Young’s Ossabaw Island History from 2013. If you have information about the early settlers, we would all like to hear from you!
I was raised mostly in Wabasso Fl in Indian River County and I understand Wabasso was named by freed slaves the moved to Florida from Ossabaw. What can you tell me about some of our early settlers that left Ossabaw and moved to Florida?
Mike Dalton
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Ossabaw Island
The Ossabaw Island Foundation has a page suggesting some books.
http://www.ossabawisland.net/ossabawbooks.aspx
In my last book I dealt with the Morel family who at one time owned the island. Over the Last two decades Mrs. West has allowed the restoration of some slave cottages and several archaeological digs on the island.
Jonathan Bryant
Seems I recently saw a documentary about St Augustine’s early history and the arrival of native Americans from the Ossabaw area of Georgia when the Spanish took some revenge for hostilities. There is a website from the Georgia Historical Society about the area, which you probably already know about… if not here it is:
https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/geography-environment/ossabaw-island
The southbound Waterway passes through Little Mud River, crosses the Altamaha River to reach Buttermilk Sound via a twisting, often narrow and shallow channel. Cruisers’ Net thanks Jim and Peg Healy for this on-site report.
Sanctuary and crew transited southbound through the Little Mud River, GA, see /167922 and the Altamaha River, GA, on 10/29/2017 between 08h00 and 08H50, about 2 to 1-1/2 hours before low (10h22, Ayetides app).
1. Altamaha River – There is a marsh island in the ALtamaha River that extends from about R”202″ through R”208.” The ICW channel passes to the south of that island. The ICW channel-side of the island is shoaling. We transited mid-channel with the tide at Wolf Island, GA, reporting +2.6 ft. Southbound between R”206″ and R”204,” we saw one sandpile where our depth sounder reported 5.6′. So, 5.6-2.6=3,0 ft at MLLW. The remained of the run was 8.0 ft or more, about what we saw in the Little Mud River. Clearly, a developing hazard.
2. Altamaha River – At R”208,” there is a shoal growing south from the south tip of the marsh island that extends well into the ICW channel. Jimmy was running a route mid-channel, not paying attention, and bumped. Bumped! Mid Channel! Dag nabit, I hate that! Tide for Wolf Island, GA, was +2.5 ft. We draw 4.3 ft, so that shoal is 4.3-2.5=1.8 ft at MLLW. Strongly favor green here (outside radius of a turn), but certainly, stay well clear of R”208.”
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Altamaha River Marker 208
Little Mud River, where shoaling was reported as recently as September, is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire Waterway from Norfolk to Miami. Cruisers’ Net is grateful to experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, for this report. Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only.
Sanctuary and crew transited southbound through the Little Mud River, GA, and the Altamaha River, GA, see /167923 on 10/29/2017 between 08h00 and 08H50, about 2 to 1-1/2 hours before low (10h22, Ayetides app).
Little Mud River – We entered the Little Mud River at 08h02 with the tide station at Rockdedundy Creek reporting +3.2 feet. Our depth sounder reported not less than 8.0 ft, so the control depth for the Little Mud River would be 8.0-3.2=4.8 feet at MLLW, less on a celestial low. Favor the outside radius of the curves of the Little Mud River for best depths.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
If you are familiar with the Kilkenny Creek area and have a answer for Skipper Strozier, please let us hear from you. Kilkenny Creek Marina lies along the western shores of Kilkenny Creek, west of this stream’s intersection with Lincoln Creek, all south and west of the AICW’s marker #106.
Did Captain Jane’s parents own or operate Kilkenny camp ground?
Linda Strozier
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Kilkenny Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Kilkenny Creek Marina
If you haven’t cruised this segment of the Waterway, this report from Coastal Living will definitely whet your appetite to steer that way.
Dream Trip: Boat from Fernandina Beach, Florida, to St. Simons Island, Georgia
The Coast Guard doing more of what they do so well. Thank you Coast Guard!
News Release
Feb. 7, 2017
VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard rescues 3 fishermen after vessel catches fire near St. Catherines Island, Ga.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO AND REPORT
Captain Wes is referring to a narrow stretch of Waterway northwest of Dolbow Island off Altamaha Sound and is responding to an earlier report of shoaling in Little Mud River, see /161445.
Another area to keep a close eye on is just south of the little mud river starting around FL 4s “202” to daymark “206” passed through about 2 hrs after low water and bumped in the middle of the channel and the boat behind bumped as well, that was a surprise! Luckily just mud…. Both of us draft 5′-5″ were on plane so calculate how you like, I lose about foot [to 4’5″] while on plane. Like Terry I was transiting this same area the same day. I was aware of what lurked ahead as I’ve transited these waters for 15 years now, it always has my full attention!!!
Wes
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shoaling
Be the first to comment!