Swallow Tail Bank / Ron Pipe Buoy – Shoaling and Encroachment into Channel

Following recent hydrographic surveying of the Whitaker Channel and the area of the Swallow Tail Bank it is clear that the Swallow Tail Bank is shoaling and is extending both in an east and west direction. In particular the passage between the Swallow Tail Bank and the Buxey Sand is narrowing in the vicinity of the Ron Pipe Buoy (SWM, unlit). The channel remains deep however with at least 4.00m depth at LAT.

The edge of the Swallow Tail bank in this location is extremely steep, with shoal/drying areas close south of the deep channel.

It is intended to carry out an overhaul to buoyage in the near future. However pending that work being undertaken mariners are advised as follows:

If passing Ron Pipe Buoy to the south (ie between it and the Swallow Tail Bank), to do so at a close distance to the Ron Pipe Buoy and to monitor depth sounders carefully. Do not allow your vessel to be set southward onto the Swallow Tail Bank.

Mark Wakelin

Harbour Master

14^th July 2010