Latest News                                           Last Reviewed and updated 15th April 2024

 

 

DEBEN and ORE ENTRANCES (Updated 15th April 2024)
Neither entrance has been surveyed yet this year, held up by the weather. Buoys are still in 2023 positions at the Deben but do NOT necessarily show the safe way in and out. The entrance has changed significantly.  Until surveys are done and buoyage moved, you are strongly advised to consult the HM (details in ECP) before attempting entry or exit. 
Buoyage is still absent at the Ore entrance, and we do not know if the area has changed significantly. The HM at Orford may be able to advise.

 

Lowestoft - Lake Lothing closure (6th March 2024)

In order to complete the installation of the bascule at the new Gull Wing Bridge, the bridge area of Lake Lothing will be closed to navigation from 8th March for 3 weeks.

Please contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch14, Tel. 01502 572286, if further information is required.

 

Thames Barrier Test Closures (26th February 2024)

You can access the latest schedules of test closures of the Thames Barrier, covering November 2023 to April 2024, and May to October 2024, on our Downloads page.

 

Deben - Ramsholt Harbourmaster (Updated 26th January 2024)

In August we noted that George Collins, long-serving HM at Ramsholt, was in hospital and had retired from the HM job. We are very sorry to report, rather late, that he passed away in December. George was a fine local character, so kind and helpful, and so many of us have reason to be grateful to him over the years. He is now commemorated on a plaque at Ramsholt.

His replacement is Ian Moore, and visitors needing a temporary mooring should now contact him using details shown in our list of updates, via the Book Updates page. I'm told that new mobile number will now stay with the job no matter who does it. 

 

Great Yarmouth - Herring Bridge Commencement of Operation (27th Nov 2023)

Herring Bridge was brought into operation today, Monday 27th November 2023.  This will affect all vessels who wish to transit from seaward through to the berths to the North of the Herring Bridge and the Norfolk Broads; and in the opposite direction from the Norfolk Broads and berths to the North of the Herring Bridge, through to the South of the new bridge or to sea. Further information on the bridge, Scheme of Operation, opening procedure guidance, bookings and other useful guidance can be found on the Norfolk County Council Website:
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-an...hird-river-crossing/herring-bridge-operations

 

Tollesbury Marina (4th Sept 2023)

If you are heading for Tollesbury and needing a visitor berth, it's best to call them on the phone, as we understand they are not able to handle VHF calls at the moment.

 

Raysand Channel (14th July 2023)

The marked Raysand route across the shallows north of the Crouch has been revised, with changes to buoys and to their positions. The details are shown in our Book Updates download, which is available from the Book Updates page.

 

Suffolk Yacht Harbour (26th July 2022, updated 20th March 2023)

Further to the words below, we understand that many people have complained to SYH about the closing of the store in the chandlery, and that as a result a service will be restored in the near future. More details here when they are available.

Original posting - A number of readers have expressed disappointment at the closure of the small general store within the chandlery at Suffolk Yacht Harbour. Good news: visiting yachtsmen can pre-order food deliveries from Jen at the Harbourside Kitchen, the new cafe established on site by the gate. If orders are placed before 1500 hrs they’ll be available for collection from the cafe after 0930 the following morning. If you know when you’re arriving and want a food box ready for your arrival you can call Jen on 07786935472, or email her at info@harboursidekitchen.co.uk. Butchery products are prepared Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and all staples such as bread and milk are delivered daily.

 

Bradwell Marina - entrance channel tide gauge (3rd May 2022)

Thank you to an ECP reader who informed us that the tide gauge on the pole at the river end of the entrance channel is missing. We’ve been in touch with the marina who tell us it was knocked off by a passing boat and will eventually be replaced.
 
Canvey - available chartlets and diagrams updated (3rd Feb 2022)
The incredibly detailed and useful chartlets and diagrams of Benfleet Creek and the Rays have been updated again by Phil Bostock. As usual they are available on the Benfleet YC website.

 

Middle Sunk - warning (6th Dec 2021)
We don’t cover cross-estuary short cuts in any detail, leaving that to Roger Gaspar and his ‘Crossing the Thames Estuary’. He warns this week that the Middle Sunk crossing looks no longer viable unless extreme care is taken. Details at https://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html, under ‘Week 50’.