Channels disrupted by storms
The winter and early spring of 2024 saw a succession of storms over the Atlantic, resulting in heavy seas, particularly on the Atlantic seaboard and at the bottom of the Bay of Biscay. As a result, Arcachon was hit by the weather, and the waves shifted the sandbanks as they approached the basin, significantly altering the passes allowing sailors to enter and exit the Gironde waters. As the Préfecture Maritime de l'Atlantique points out, the buoyage system was affected in terms of both function and relevance: "As it stands, the existing buoyage in this sector is no longer operational and consistent with the funds."
Navigation closed to pleasure craft
As weather and tide conditions make it impossible to carry out the operations required to restore the buoys to their original position, and in particular to carry out the necessary bathymetric surveys and reposition the buoys, the Prefecture has decided to restrict access to the passes in the Arcachon Basin on April 9, 2024. Only professional vessels whose captains or pilots hold a valid STCW certificate, as well as vessels and watercraft on a public service mission or as part of a rescue operation, are authorized to pass through the passes. Until further notice, boaters will no longer be able to use the passes.
Deplorable incidents
As the school vacations get underway, the Prefecture has noted several incidents involving pleasure craft, which failed to keep abreast of sailing conditions. This sad situation is a reminder of the need to keep an eye on the Urgent Notices to Mariners (AVURNAV) in the area before setting sail.
