Trip Summary

During this period, there were two construction trips made to place lighted marker pilings at the inshore reef sites FH-8, FH-9 & 11, FH-10, Round Island, and Pascagoula Front Beach.

September 29 Trip

On September 29, construction began at the FH-8 reef site inside Ship Island. Available records indicated the boundaries for this site border the LORAN coordinates 12187.0, 12187.7, 47082.0, and 47082.3 although the permit only indicates N47082 and E12187.7. The Marker was placed at 12187.6, 47082.0, and 29411.7. The DGPS Coordinates are 30°16.001'N and 88°57.701'W. The Surrounding Depth was recorded at 16 feet. This piling is marked with "D MS-FH-8".

The next stop was at FH-11 and FH-9. Since these two reefs are so close together, they have traditionally been marked by a single piling. This piling was placed at 12225.9, 47081.0, and 29447.1. The DGPS Coordinates are 30°15.534'N and 88°54.008'W. The surrounding depth was recorded at 18 feet.

Severe wind and rain came thru the area during the placement of this piling, causing adverse working conditions and almost resulted in losing the crane off the barge. Although the rain subsided somewhat, the wind was being persistent pushing 6 foot seas and causing operations to be aborted.

October 1 Trip

On October 1, operations resumed at the Horn Island Middle Ground Site FH-10. Available records indicate the boundaries for this site are 12381.6, 12382.2, 47085.1, and 47085.4. The piling was set at 12382.2, 47085.4, 29601.7. The DGPS coordinates are 30°15.943'N and 88°38.917'W. This site is along the edge of the south end of the middle ground rise with depths ranging from 10 to 14 feet. Depth at the piling was recorded at 13 feet. This piling is marked with "A MS-FH-10".

The next stop was the Round Island Reef Site. The marker was placed near the middle of this site at 30°17.522'N and 88°35.885'W. The LORAN Coordinates are 12413.9, 47092.0, and 29638.6. The surrounding depth was recorded at 8.5 feet. This piling is marked with "B Round Island".

The final stop was at the Pascagoula Beach Front Site. The marker was placed near the center of this site at 30°20.013'N and 88°32.265'W. The LORAN Coordinates are 12452.1, 47102.0, and 29684.7. The surrounding depth was recorded at 7.5 feet. This piling is marked with "E".

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Email Author: Mark P. Miller