Nav Alert comment on NC: Alligator Pungo Canal MM 124.6 Stump

Comment by: Zachary Shipley, East by South, on Feb 15, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 4.2'

It has been reported to me by word of mouth that my former Selene 53 (named "Adrift at last" when I owned her, now named "Day by Day") snagged one of its Naiad stabilizer fins on a stump on the Alligator River and, contrary to popular lore, the fin did not snap off, but the entire actuator tore put of the hull leaving a gash several feet long, and the vessel was a total loss. I don't know whether this Nav Alert refers to that event or to another.

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Anchorage Review for South Newport River- Wahoo River

Reviewed by: Zachary Shipley, East by South, on Nov 26, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 4.2'

Anchored here night of Nov 25, 2019. Light wind, SW-NW; anchor is "Ultra" (sharp-tipped, spade type, no bale) held perfectly in mud bottom. We anchored on N side, close under stand of trees (100 yards W of "mystery light", below). Current is strong, but with suitable anchor, that's a plus: except at slack tide, current aligns boat with river/shore; unless wind from S, no risk of swinging into shore. Even in late Nov., some no-see'ums, but Cutter's repellent worked well. The "mystery light" is an white electric light on a post, such as one would place by front walk. Purpose & power source a mystery; no sign of dwelling. Perhaps a private nav aid?
As to other ratings: We have no dog & didn't go ashore; looks like landing a challenge at high tide when beaches covered, with no docks & vegetation thick above tide line. No wake protection, but no wakes, either; one crabber went by as we arrived late in day. 3 bars on roof-mounted cellphone antenna. Zero civilization (except mystery light), pristine & beautiful.

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