Mayday, yesterday, Sucia Island

[localboy]

We were on our way home yesterday from Shallow Bay, Sucia after a week and a half in the Gulf Islands. As we were southeast of Matia we hear a "MAYDAY, MAYDAY...40 foot wooden trawler hit a submerged rock, mouth of Ewing Cove! Listing 40*. Wife and dog in the dinghy!!"

Coast Guard chimes up as do several boaters much closer than us. Captain of the aground vessel says he hit an "uncharted rock". Since the lat/long numbers he provided were close to us, my wife looks up Ewing Cove, while I drive.

From the Waggoner's: "We have reports of a rock in Ewing Cove's southern entrance, from Echo Bay. The rock is east of a white can that marks a fish haven, shown on large scale chart 18431. We are told the rock is black and hard to see, and feeds on propellers at low tide. Be extra cautious..."

Low tide yesterday for Echo Bay: 0840 hours, -0.61'. This happened around 0915. As we rounded the northern tip of Lummi Island the CG fast-boat was smoking in that direction. Sounds like no one was injured, but I have no other info on the outcome. Boat named Halcion. Captain said at the time he did not know if the boat was taking on water or not.

[westward]

In fact boats of various types and sizes hit rocks or run aground in the SJI every year. Others end up on the rocks due to engine failures. I’ve seen a few doozies. Some rocks are visible only on low tide. Most are charted. We were in Active Cove at Patos last weekend and some suggested leaving through the small Southern channel. Not this kid. In some areas ( Lopez sound comes to mind) you’re running well offshore, only to realize you’re in 5-6’ of water. Very scary at 30 mph!! Have fun but proceed with caution.

[ssobol]

[thataway]

We have from 12" at an extreme winter low to about 4 feet going in and out of the channel to our house, and 12 miles of water no more than 6 feet deep to the ICW. But the bottom is at a uniform depth--the only hazard might be a log which washed down the river system.

The PNW has lots of rocks--and 5 feet may mean 1 foot in a few seconds...

[NORO LIM]

[localboy]

I was fascinated & surprised that what the unfortunate mariner said via the VHF may, in fact, be true. That that rock is un-charted. Yet, there the info was in the Waggoner Guide. We have never been in that cove, but you can bet we will enter from the other side (east) as recommended.

I know the SJI have numerous rocks that are infamous for being hit. My brother will not venture into the Yellow/Wasp Islands. He has a sailboat with a 6' draw (keel) and fears hitting something. Yet we have been all through there with no problems, whatsoever.

[hardee]