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Harbor master warns of shoaling near pier; Coast Guard markers placed, boaters advised to stay near main pier
Summary
The Michigan City harbor master reported April Corps of Engineers bathymetric data showing shoaling on the west side of the pier that has caused some deep‑draft vessels to ground; the Coast Guard placed marker buoys and the harbor advised keeping close to the main pier. Staff also described recent equipment updates, including new vendor ice machines.
The Michigan City harbor master reported that an April bathymetric survey by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers showed "some significant shoaling, from the west side of the pier," and said several deep‑draft vessels have grounded as a result. The harbor has coordinated with the Coast Guard to place marker buoys and advised mariners to keep close to the main pier when transiting the area.
"Some of you may be aware, but the Corps of Engineers did a bathymetric survey back in April, and that showed some significant shoaling, from the west side of the pier," the harbor master said during the July 6 Port Authority meeting. He described the deeper channel as running along the pier and said the Coast Guard has placed buoys to mark safe transit; inbound vessels should keep the buoys on their right and outbound vessels on their left.
The harbor master said the shoaling area is concentrated and advised deeper‑draft captains to exercise caution and consider staying near the main pier. He added that the markers are intended primarily for deeper draft boats and that smaller craft such as personal watercraft have less reason to transit the shoaled area.
Staff also reported operations updates: the harbor installed a second vendor‑operated ice machine to replace older, frequently repaired units and described how the new machines operate on a weight-based, credit-card system. The meeting record included references to machine placements (one near the north bath house and one at the fish-cleaning station); cost and line-item details discussed in the transcript were unclear and are recorded as not specified here.
The harbor master and other members took and answered questions on related maintenance issues, including a recent water leak at slip 600 that staff said has been repaired. The board did not take a formal vote on navigation measures during the meeting; members said they would continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with the Corps and Coast Guard as needed.
The harbor's report and safety guidance will be available in the meeting packet; mariners are advised to follow buoy markers and contact harbor staff with any concerns.
