Coast Guard warns mariners of extreme shoaling in Oregon Inlet

Army Corps of Engineers map showing depths at Oregon Inlet.

The Coast Guard is advising all mariners to exercise caution when transiting through the Marc Basnight Bridge due to “extreme shoaling” near Oregon Inlet aid #17.

Boaters traveling to and from the waters north of the inlet use what’s known as “The Crack”, a naturally forming channel that runs alongside the Basnight Bridge, to reach the deepest water under the bridge.

The latest Army Corps of Engineers hydrographic survey displays the areas in which the shallow depths are occurring, with certain spots appearing as low as 3 feet at the southern end of “The Crack”.

It is common in fall and winter for shoals to widen off the tip of Bodie Island due to wave action from persistent north and northeast winds.

If you have any questions, contact Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet via Ch 16 or at 252-441-6260.

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