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Dredging resumes at Lakes Entrance following weather event and temporary bar conditions advisory for mariners

Mariners are advised that the TSHD Tommy Norton temporarily aborted dredging due to recent high-density swells. Depths at Lakes Entrance have reduced significantly; extra precautions are recommended when crossing the Bar.

By news@gippsland - 26th September 2024 - Back to News

Mariners are advised that following the recent Tasman Sea weather event causing high density swells, environmental conditions on the bar had caused the TSHD Tommy Norton to abort dredging operations temporarily. A preliminary survey conducted this morning indicates that depths on the centerline and to the East of the centerline of the Lakes Entrance leads have been compromised by the migration of sand from East to West.

Following recent weather events, mariners should exercise caution at Lakes Entrance Bar due to altered depths and resumed dredging operations with the TSHD Tommy Norton

Depths reduced by migration

The migration has seen depths that were previously 4.5m LAT have reduced to 3.3m LAT today on the "Green Light" leading line shoaling further towards the East of the "Green Light" to less than 2.0m LAT. The shoaling covers an area from approximately 200m - 300m SE of the Eastern Pier. Depths beyond the shoaling increase to greater than 4.0m.

The survey indicates the deepest available water to transit the Lakes Entrance Bar to the Entrance Channel is now aligned on Line 4 - See the attached bathymetric survey with the (blue) leading line changed to line 4. The Lakes Entrance Approach leading "lights in line" have been changed to Line 4 bearing 354(T) to the Flagstaff.

Further surveys will be conducted to monitor any changes. Dredging operations with the "TSHD Tommy Norton" have resumed. In the meantime, Mariners are advised to take extra precaution when crossing the Bar at Lakes Entrance, noting that the best time to cross the bar is during daylight hours at slack water in the entrance channel following high water. For further information please call Gippsland Ports Harbour Master on 0427 610 025.

Pictures from Gippsland Ports website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com