U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina is urging mariners to use extreme caution when transiting the channel at Oregon Inlet due to significant shoaling and extremely shallow water.

The shoaling, especially in the vicinity of Oregon Inlet Buoys 4 (LLNR 27990) and 6 (LLNR 28003), poses a significant threat to mariners.

The Coast Guard strongly advises to proceed with extreme caution and recommends to transit only during daylight hours at slack-high tide.

“Mariners need to be aware that the shoaling in this area presents an additional safety risk, and they need to be cautious when transiting Oregon Inlet,” said Lt. Eunice James, chief of the waterways management division for Sector North Carolina. “We will continue to monitor the conditions of the waterway and provide updates via Broadcast Notice to Mariners announcements on VH-FM channel 16.”

Mariners are encouraged to consult the Local Notice to Mariners 5th Coast Guard District for the latest positions and status of aids to navigation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District for survey site for channel depths.

To report any shoaling, hazards to navigation, or aids to navigation discrepancies contact the Sector North Carolina Command Center at (910) 343-3882.