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]

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.

Where I live running in 5-6 feet of water is pretty common. You can be a mile out and still be in water that deep. A lot of the marked channels are only 6' deep. I only start to get nervous when the water gets to be 3' or less.

 

[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]

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

Exactly. You can have your boat within a couple of feet of the shore and have more than 100 feet of water beneath you. Or . . .

Looking at the shorelines is often the best indicator of what the sea bed is going to be like nearby. Bumpy, rocky, islands often mean bumpy, rocky, underwater topography. Fjord-like inlets may have the same steep, jagged, random peaks just below the surface as you see on the adjacent land. Add in 15 to 20 foot tide swings, and you realize just how important charts, sounders, and local knowledge are. When in doubt, go slow!

 

[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]

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

Exactly. You can have your boat within a couple of feet of the shore and have more than 100 feet of water beneath you. Or . . .

Looking at the shorelines is often the best indicator of what the sea bed is going to be like nearby. Bumpy, rocky, islands often mean bumpy, rocky, underwater topography. Fjord-like inlets may have the same steep, jagged, random peaks just below the surface as you see on the adjacent land. Add in 15 to 20 foot tide swings, and you realize just how important charts, sounders, and local knowledge are. When in doubt, go slow!

Charts are good but they are not invincible. Much of our PNW waters are way deep -- 100, 300, that shallow. 500 plus is not uncommon. If I am anywhere with less than 50 feet, I have the bottom scan on and if it is coming up, I am slowing down, checking positions and both plotters for obstructions.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon