"Unmarked Hazards of Galveston Bay" with Capt. Mike Reitz of  SeaTow

Highlights of the Seminar:

  • Using Channel 13 instead of 16 in the Ship Channel
  • An unmarked cement barge on the route from Kemah to the Ship Channel
  • Update on plans for Redfish Island reconstruction
  • Update on plans to change access in/out of the Ship Channel
  • Hazards at Todd's Dump and Fishers Shoals
Capt Mike Reitz spent 5 years in the Coast Guard, and has his 100 ton Masters License with commercial towing and radar endorsements.   Capt Reitz has spent the last 3 years rescuing stranded boaters from the dangers of Galveston Bay as the Operator of SeaTow, Inc.

Capt Mike Reitz provided a highly informative briefing on both familiar and unfamiliar hazards in our cruising waters around the upper and lower Galveston Bay.  We had over 60 sailors from WYC and visitors attend, in fact we ran out of doughnuts, coffee, and charts.  Sorry to anyone who missed out on the refreshments or graphic aids.  The club is considering a new approach to make sure that all members who RSVP can get preferred treatment, since we present these seminars for our club members first and foremost.  We do want to allow non-members to attend, subject to space available, as a service to our sailing community.

Mike took us on an imaginary cruise down the waterfront to Redfish Island, then down the Ship Channel to Offatt's Bayou.  We then traveled over to Trinity Bay, then up the Ship Channel to Bayport and Cedar Bayou.  As we traveled the waters of the Bay, Mike pointed out recommended routes and hazards that he has encountered.   Here are some of the highlights of the cruise:

Hazard

Very Approximate Location

Comments

Unmarked Cement Barge off Kemah entrance

N 29 deg 33' by 94 deg 58' W

A large steel barge has sunk here and has been struck by shallow draft yachts

Update on Plans for Redfish Island

N 29 deg 30' by 94 deg 53' W

The north loop of Redfish will be rebuilt over the next two years.  This will effectively shut off the access we have at Marker 59

Update on Plans for HSC Entrance to Trinity Bay

Marker 67 and 68

A new exit to Trinity Bay will be dredged 100' by 8' deep

Update on Plans for HSC Entrance from Kemah

Marker 59 and 61

A new entrance to the Ship Channel will be dredged 200' by 9 ' deep.

Hazards at Todds' Dump

N 29 deg 29' by 94 deg 54' W

A good area to stay completely away from.  Lots of oyster reefs

Hazards at Fisher's Shoals

N 29 deg 40' by 94 deg 51' W

One of the only serious hazards in Trinity Bay.  A good area to stay completely away from.  Lots of oyster reefs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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