Excerpts from this Pilot. Fractions have been changed to decimals. Bearings are Magnetic for 1869 with variation 22° 28'. Placename spellings and compass bearings have been retained.
Lighthouses and Lightships, Sand Banks, Sailing Directions, Upper Mersey, Tides, Liverpool
Coast.-South side of Entrance.-From Helbre point to Formby point is N.E. 11 miles, within which line as a base, the entrance of the Mersey forms a triangle, the bounding shores approaching nearly to a right angle.
Helbre point or the Red stones and the coast eastward of it, being composed of low sand hills, is but indistinctly seen from the sea, but the beacon on Grange hill,* 1.5 mile S.S.E. from the point, and the higher land of Irby hill within, are well marked objects. Upon the eastern part of the same range will be observed the square tower of Wood church, and to the north-east of it Bidston hill, with a lighthouse 68 feet high, and a mill. The towers of the old and new churches of Wallasey are about 1.5 miles N.E. from the lighthouse, and with a mill stand upon the west fall of the eastern rising ground, which is separated from that of Bidston by the low land bordering Wallasey pool and the Birket stream; upon the same rise is also a lofty square waterworks tower.
The chief objects upon the lower foreground are, Hoylake hotel, a large building one-third of a mile from Helbre point, the two Hoylake lighthouses, 64 and 42 feet high, and Hoylake church, the latter a mile east of the point. A little within the coast line, and a mile to the eastward of the lower lighthouse, are the two diamond-headed Dove beacons, 200 yards apart, and bearing when in line north and south. At 1.25 miles beyond, the tall tower of Leasowe lighthouse, 110 feet high, appears a little within the sea embankment, and three-quarters of a mile farther Leasowe castle. The Rock lighthouse and adjacent fort, nearly 3 miles to the eastward of Leasowe castle, are both insulated at high water, and they, together with a range of low red and yellow sandstone cliffs, and the houses and terrace, and conspicuous church spire of New Brighton, terminate the intervening 6.75 miles of coast between the estuaries of the Dee and Mersey.
A sandy beach skirts the whole of it, and between Hoylake lighthouses and Leasowe castle is a bed of peat and mud, which is well calculated for beaching on without injury to any vessel that may be compelled by stress of weather to go ashore.
* Views of the principal shore and floating objects used for the navigation for the entrance of the Mersey are given on Sheet 1951.
East side of Entrance.-Formby point and the coast for 5 miles south of it, is composed of a margin of low sand-hills, over which towards high water, may sometimes be seen the fans of the higher of two windmills and the belfry of Formby church, about 2 miles inland of the point. This boundary of the entrance of the Mersey is distinguished on its north part by a lofty framework beacon, named Formby North-West mark, and on the sand in front of it is another mark, named Mad-wharf beacon. Upon the south part of the point, S. by E. 2 miles from the North-West mark, is the well-known Formby tower; it is of brick, upwards of 100 feet high, and was formerly a lighthouse. Half a mile W. 1/2 N. from the tower is the Victoria beach mark; and on the point between it and the North-West mark, there is a life-boat house and flag-staff.
Crosby lighthouse, a wooden structure 74 feet high, is S. by W. 1/4 W. one mile from Formby tower, and W. by N. 3/4 N., nearly three-quarters of a mile from it, is Crosby beacon, a triangular framework of wood surmounted by a ball. At 2 miles to the S.S.E. of the lighthouse is Crosby point, projecting little from the shore on either side, but having several prominent objects about it, namely, the old and new churches of Crosby, a Roman Catholic chapel, and a windmill. In front of the point upon the sands are the two north and two south marks of the measured mile for testing the speed of steamers.
Waterloo terrace is close to the high-water margin, 1.5 mile from Crosby point; then succeeds the yellow tower of Seaforth church, and afterwards groups of houses are* continued for some distance, and at last become merged in the town of Liverpool.
Above Seaforth church, at the distance of a mile, and nearly opposite the Rock lighthouse, is Bootle church and the tall chimney of the waterworks, the latter a useful mark for the navigation; and on the brow of Walton hill, a mile inland, stands a lozenge-shaped beacon named Walton or Bootle inner mark. On this elevation are also Walton church and several windmills.
There are many prominent objects in Liverpool, but they are of only limited use in the approach, and are always obscured by smoke in easterly and south-westerly winds.
| Air point lighthouse | S by W 3/4 W | 8.75m |
| Ormes head lighthouse | W | 21 m |
| Lynus lighthouse | W by N 1/4 N | 34.5m |
| Calf of Man lighthouse | NW 3/4 W | 62m |
| Morecambe bay light-vessel | N 3/4 E | 25m |
| Formby north-west black buoy | E by N 3/4 N | 6.33m |
| Fairway buoy (Victoria channel) | E by S | 3.5m |
| Black perch buoy, Horse channel,H.1 | SSE 1/2 E | 6.5m |
| Fairway bell beacon, Horse channel | S by E | 3.1m |
This light-ship is on the line on which Ormes head light changes from white from the north, to red.
Formby light-vessel is moored in 40 feet at the elbow of the Queen Victoria and Crosby channels, with Crosby lighthouse open to the northward of Crosby beacon S.E. by E. 3/4 E. She is painted red, has two masts with a red ball at the foremast head, and exhibits a fixed red light at an elevation of 30 feet, visible at the distance of 8 miles in clear weather. Formby light vessel is S.E. by E. 3/4 E. 2 miles from the bell beacon, and from her, Crosby light-vessel bears S.E. 1/3 E., 2.5 miles nearly.
Crosby light-vessel, moored off the elbow of Great Burbo bank and the
turn of Crosby channel in 7 fathoms, constitutes the fairway beacon to
and from the Mersey through the Crosby channel. This vessel is also
painted red, and has two masts with a red ball at the foremast head; she
carries one fixed white light 29 feet above the water, which is visible
8 miles in clear weather; also for the purpose of inward bound vessels
distinguishing her from the Crosby lighthouse, she carries two
subsidiary lights of the natural colour, one forward and the other aft,
so that when broadside on her lights will appear in the form of a
triangle, the smaller one being at each end of the base; when seen
end-on two lights only will appear, the main light over that on the bow
or stern according to the tide. From this light-vessel the channel
course up to abreast of the Rock lighthouse is S.byE. 3/4 E., 4.75 miles.
Sands And Buoyage,-The general rule adopted in buoying the several
channels is such that, coming upon a buoy in the dark, you may detect by
its shape on which side of the channel it is situated. An uniform system
with respect to colour is likewise sustained as far as circumstances
will allow. Thus, when inward bound, can buoys are to be left on the
starboard hand, and nun, or conical buoys, on the port; the can buoys
are painted red, and nun buoys black; buoys situated upon a projecting
elbow of a bank, or at a turning point in the channel, are distinguished
by a perch. and ball. On the buoys of every channel are painted the
initial letter of the channel, with a number, the numerals being
arranged in consecutive order, reckoning from seaward; thus, a can
buoy, marked Q. 1, or a nun buoy Q. 1, denote respectively the outer
buoys on either side of the Queen Channel, the next buoys inward being
marked Q. 2, and so on for other channels. Fairway buoys bear the
initial letter of their channel, and "Fy.," and have distinct
characteristics of form and colour.
The numerous sands which encumber the entrance of the Mersey will be
better understood by a reference to the chart than by reading the most
elaborate description, in fact any attempt to convey by words correct
ideas of the extent and form of these banks and the intricate channels
between them would be useless; it must therefore suffice to mention
them in general terms.
East Boyle bank.-West Hoyle bank, forming the west side of Helbre
swatch, has been described on page 118. The east side of the swatch is
formed by the East Hoyle bank, which is of a triangular form, extending
4 miles from the shore in a north-west direction, and 3 miles wide at
the base, the latter lying parallel to and nearly connecting with the
main shore from Helbre islands to abreast Dove beacons, forming one side
of the narrow and shallow creek named Hoylake. The whole of the bank is
dry at low water, and rises with some degree of regularity from all
sides towards the summit, which is 24 feet above low-water springs.
Off the north-west end of the East Hoyle, a Fairway bell beacon is
moored in about 7 fathoms upon the following bearings :-Crosby
lighthouse, E. 1/4 N. nearly, which is also the southern limit of the
light; Bidstone lighthouse a sail's breadth open east of Leasowe, S.E.
southerly; H. 1 buoy, S.E. 1/2 S. 1.5 miles; Queen's channel bell beacon
a little west of the Victoria Fairway buoy, N.E. 1/4 N. 4.75 miles; and
Newcome black buoy, East 2 miles. The east side of the bank is marked at
its outer end and along its east side by red can buoys, bearing the
letter H. and numbered from 1 to 4, and along its west side by four
black nun buoys HE. 1 to HE. 4 already described. The inner Hoylake side
of the sand is marked by two red buoys, L. 1 and L. 2.
Mockbeggar wharf is a shelf or flat of sand fronting the shore from
Dove beacons to Rock lighthouse, and having a nearly uniform breadth of
about three-quarters of a mile. It is marked by six red buoys, R. 1 to
R. 6; the first is placed off the Dove spit on the line of the Dove
beacons; the last upon the turning point up the river, upon the east
side of the Rock lighthouse.
Newcombe knoll is a detached bank, with 18 feet upon it at low water,,
midway between the N.W. light-ship and the North spit of the Rock
channel; a black nun buoy at its outer end, lettered K., is S.E. 1/2 S. 4
miles from the N.W. light-ship, and S.W. by S. 3/4 S. 3.5 miles from the
Queen's channel bell beacon. A depth of four fathoms will be found at
three-quarters of a mile outside the buoy.
Six and four feet flat, extending north-westerly from the North spit,
bounds the Horse channel to the eastward; a black nun buoy with perch
lettered H. 1 lies at their outer elbow.
North spit, North bank, and Brazil bank, all in connexion with the Great
Burbo bank, form together the north side of Rock channel, and extend in
a direction conforming somewhat to Mockbeggar wharf, on the opposite
side of the channel. The North spit dries 4 feet, the North bank 15
feet, and Brazil bank 10 feet above low-water springs. They are marked
by seven black buoys, R. 1 to R. 7; No. 1 buoy, lying at the west
extremity of the North or Spencer's spit at the junction of Horse and
Rock channels, is a bell beacon, and No. 7, at the south-east extremity
of Brazil bank, where the Rock channel unites with the main stream of
the Mersey, is distinguished by a perch.
Great Burbo bank, the largest of all the sands at the entrance of the
Mersey, forms the south and south-west sides of Victoria and Crosby
channels. Beginning as a spit of 10 feet E. by S. 1/4 S. 4.5 miles from
the N.W. light-ship, it thence extends E. 1/2 S. 1.75 miles towards the
Crosby channel, then S.E. for 2 miles, and afterwards S. by E. 1/2 E. for
4.5 miles, when it becomes connected with the three sands last named. A
great portion of the bank has a breadth of 2.5 miles, but its edges are
very irregular, from the whole bank being broken up into many distinct
parts by swatchways, which are subject to changes, and are therefore
unused. A mile within the outer extremity several patches dry to a
height of 3 feet, and over the main body of the bank, which is generally
high, are patches drying from 15 to 22 feet above low-water springs.
The north end of the Great Burbo, of which the West Middle shoal is a
detached portion, and which forms the south side of Victoria channel, is
marked by three red buoys V. 1 to V. 3, and the north-east and east
sides of the bank bounding Crosby channel have seven red can buoys, C. 1
to C. 7; C. 3 lying at the east elbow of the bank, and near Crosby
lightvessel, is distinguished by a perch.
The Great Burbo shelves out very shallow to the westward, and is there
called the North Burbo flats, and an extensive spit, named Four and
Three fathoms tongue, projecting for upwards of 4 miles in a westerly
direction, is also connected with it.
Little Burbo bank, triangular in form, with three-quarter mile sides,
and with a part of it dry at low water, is near the north-west end of
the Great Burbo. Its south side, forming the north boundary of {Victoria
channel, is marked by three black buoy, V. 1 to V. 3, and its north and
east side, forming the south boundary of the Queen's channel, is marked
by three red buoys, Q. 1 to Q. 3, the latter lying south-east of V. 3
black, and surmounted with a perch. There is also a fairway buoy leading
to the Victoria channel, a black nun with a perch; it lies in about 4
fathoms E. by S. 3.5 miles from the N.W. light-ship; S. by W. 1/4 W. one
mile from the Queen's Fairway bell beacon, and E. by S. 1/2 S. 1.25 miles
from V. 1 black buoy.
Zebra flats, Jordan flats, and Taylor's bank, extending from abreast the
Little Burbo to abreast Crosby light-vessel off the elbow of the Great
Burbo, form together the north-east boundary of Queen's channel, and
also of a portion of Crosby channel. Zebra flats have a general depth of
5 to 6 feet over them; Jordan flats dry from 2 to 6 feet, and Taylor's
bank dries to a height of 12 feet above low-water springs. Three black
buoys, Q. 1 to Q. 3, mark the south-west side of Zebra flats, and off
the north side, in about 4 fathoms, is a black and white striped nun
buoy with a cheese shaped top, marked Z. Fy.; it bears E. by N. 1/4 N. 4
miles nearly from the light-ship; N.E. 1/2 E. 1.25 miles from Formby N.W.
buoy, and S.W. 3/4 W. 1.4 miles from the Queen's bell beacon. Along the
south side of Jordan flats and Taylor's bank are three black buoys, C. 1
to C. 3, as forming the north-western bend of the Crosby channel.
Jordan Bank.-A swatchway separates the two last-named sands from
Jordan bank, which is close to the eastward of Jordan flats and Taylor's
bank, and dries from 2 to 10 feet. The east side, forming the west
boundary of Formby channel, is marked by three red buoys, F. 1 to
F. 3, the last having a perch, and lying N. by E. 1/2 E. half a mile from
Crosby light vessel.
Formby spit, Mad-wharf, and Formby bank are portions of an extensive
sandy flat, which projects from Formby point to abreast Crosby point,
from whence it continues as abroad and regular shelf up to Liverpool
docks. Formby spit extends 2.27 miles N.W. 3/4 W. from Formby N.W. mark, and
bounds the north-east side of the Formby channel, in which are two
buoys; a black buoy, F. 1, also lies on the south-west side of Formby
spit, and another, F. 2, lies at the northern extremity of Formby bank,
and serves, with the red buoy F. 3 at the south end of Jordan bank, to
mark the narrow and irregular swatchway which connects Formby pool with
Crosby channel. South of this swatchway the flat shore, forming the east
side of Crosby channel, is marked by five black buoys, C. 4 to C. 8. The
Formby channel buoys above mentioned are, the Formby N.W. Fairway, a
black nun E. by N. 3/4 N. 6.75 miles from the N.W. light-ship, and the
Formby sea marks in a line S.E. by E. 1/2 E.; the second or inner buoy,
called the Fairway, lies 1.25 miles upon the same line of marks; it is a
chequered black and white buoy, and from it F. 1 red bears south-east
nearly three-quarters of a mile.
The foregoing are the principal sands encumbering the entrance to the
Mersey, and having passed the Rock lighthouse, the channel up is free of
shoals to the anchorage off Liverpool, its eastern boundary being the
walls of the various docks, and the western boundary the flat foreshore,
and the Birkenhead docks. The low-water breadth of the river decreases
gradually from seven-tenths of a mile abreast New Brighton to
four-fifths at Seacombe ferry.
Tides.-It is high water by the Admiralty tide tables at Formby point,
at 10h. 35m. mean time at place, or 10h. 47m. Greenwich time; springs
rise 24 feet, neaps 19 feet. Liverpool, 11h. 23m. mean time at place, or
11h. 35m. Greenwich; springs rise 26 feet, neaps 20.25 feet. The datum is
8 feet below the Old dock sill.
By local tide tables and charts of Liverpool, equinoctial springs are
given at 33 feet, ordinary 30 feet, and neaps 23 feet. At Helbre,
equinoctial springs 32 feet, ordinary 29 feet, neaps 22 feet. And on the
charts published both by the Admiralty and Mersey Docks Board, the
soundings are reduced to a low-water datum, 10 feet below the old docks
sill.
At neap tides the time of high water in the river and bay is nearly
simultaneous; at any intermediate period, the precession of tide in the
bay is proportioned to the number of days before or after spring tides.
During spring tides the ingoing stream in the river continues for half
an hour after the tide has ceased to rise, and the outgoing for the same
period after it has ceased to fall; but this interval becomes gradually
less toward neap tides, when the turn of the stream and rise and fall of
the tide nearly coincide. This prolonged effect of the stream can be
usefully depended upon only in the river, or in the deep channels
immediately connected therewith, as in the bay the conclusion of each
tide is marked by various deflections of stream, to which neither the
term ingoing or outgoing strictly apply. Speaking in general terms, the
stream in the bay may be described as setting toward the Mersey with the
flood, and from it with the ebb, noticing that at the earlier part of
the flood and latter part of ebb it sets to and from the several
channels through the banks; but when the banks are covered, it sets over
them from all parts of the bay in lines of direction converging toward
the river entrance at the Rock lighthouse.
The direction of the set of tide to and from the N.W. light-ship is,
with the flood, towards the Rock lighthouse, and, with the ebb, in the
opposite direction throughout each tide.
Both streams turn when the tide ceases to rise or fall, which occurs
three-quarters of an hour earlier than at the Old dock at Liverpool.
There being no difference in the velocity of flood and ebb, the
following table will show the usual rate of the stream in springs and
neaps:-
| Time | Rate of Springs | Rate of Neaps | Hour | knots | knots |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0.75 | 0.25 |
| 2nd | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| 3rd | 2.75 | 1.5 |
| 4th | 2.0 | 1.0 |
| 5th | 1.0 | 0.5 |
| 6th | 0.8 | 0.25 |
Hence it appears that the whole amount of the spring-tide drift in the vicinity of the light-ship does not exceed 8.5 miles, and that of the neap drift 4.5 miles. Therefore if a vessel be becalmed near the light-ship about low water, and the nearest shoal in the tide's course being the Six feet flats at the back of the Burbo, which are 6 miles distant, it will be 4 hours flood, and there will be 24 feet rise of tide before she reaches the bank; but as by high water she will have drifted on to the Burbo bank, which dries up from 10 to 15 feet along her course, she will not have more than from 15 to 20 feet of water under her, and might be placed in a position of some hazard; but during neaps, by high water a vessel would only have been drifted between the Newcome and the flats into 7 or 8 fathoms.*
* These observations were originally made with reference to a former position of the light-ship near the present Horse channel Fairway buoy, they are now made applicable, and inserted in order to illustrate the effect of a tidal drift
Near Newcombe knoll, the flood stream sets south-east for the last 4 hours, and the ebb north-west for the first four hours, the rate not exceeding 2.75 knots on springs, and 1.5 knots on neaps.
About 2 miles north of the Chester flats and the West Hoyle spit, the set of the flood stream towards the bay is 20 minutes earlier than when nearer the shore; and the ebb 30 minutes later; the velocity at springs is 3.5 knots, and at neaps 1.5.
One mile north of the Formby N.W. buoy, the direction of the stream is towards and from the Ribble and not the Mersey; a vessel should therefore guard against this influence if bound for Liverpool, as with a westerly wind she. would be hardly able to gain the entrance of the Queen's channel, and might have to anchor under unfavourable circumstances if drifting in a calm, or with a strong breeze, and heavy sea upon a lee shore.
It may be well to notice that, when navigating in the vicinity of the light-ships, in order to avoid collision, at all times it is necessary to be guarded against the effect of the current when setting toward them. From the sea channels, up to the river entrance, the rate of the current gradually increases from 2 and 3 knots an hour in the former, to 4 or 5 in the latter, and even attains, at equinoctial tides, a rate of 7 knots in the narrowest part of the river channel which is abreast the north end of Prince's dock.
In the Appendix will be found a tide table for Liverpool bay, adapted to show the height of water above low water level at any required period, and hence when the several channels may be entered, or the banks crossed.
Pilots.-The Liverpool pilots, 12 in number, cruise in vessels, sloop and schooner rigged, each vessel having the number on the mainsail.
It is compulsory upon all ships entering Liverpool to take a pilot, as in the event of refusing one when offered, pilotage rate are nevertheless levied, and in cases where a ship cannot be boarded, a pilot boat leading in is reckoned as pilot service. Off Point Lynas is the westernmost station appointed for the cruising of the Liverpool pilot boats; occasionally when driven by stress of weather they may be met with farther to the westward, and in strong easterly winds board their pilots in the shelter of Church bay to the southward of Carmel head. Two are usually on the westernmost station. They are easily distinguished from other vessels, their sides being painted from the gunwale down with a yellow, green, and yellow streak, black bends, and white to the water-line, and by their rig, either sloop or fore and aft schooner; so long as any pilots remain unboarded, they carry a large flag at the main-topmast head, the upper half white and lower red, and at night are recognized by a single bright masthead light, with an occasional flash torch. Between this and Liverpool bay four other boats are stationed, so that should this station be passed without receiving a pilot, a course may be shaped for the N.W. light-ship, constituting the fairway guide to the channels through the extensive shoals of Liverpool bay, and if the signal for a pilot be kept flying, it can rarely happen that the N.W. light-ship will be reached without being boarded.
A pilot boat is always in attendance seaward of the entrance of the various channels for the purpose of receiving pilots from outward-bound ships, and her attention should be attracted, if necessary, by showing the usual pilot signal.
In case of a ship having a pilot on board and perceiving that she is chased by a pilot boat, the fact that she has been boarded should be signified by the following signals, viz., by day, the national ensign to be hoisted for five minutes, then dipped and rehoisted every five minutes until answered by the pilot boat. By night a light to be hoisted and lowered in the same manner.
Pilots in charge of ships are responsible that they carry by night the proper regulated lights, as well for ships under weigh as for ships at anchor.
Pilots are instructed to cause the ensigns of all ships to be hoisted on entering the port. Masters of British ships are responsible for having proper ensigns, except under the special authority of the Admiralty. The only proper ensign is the red ensign with the union jack in the upper canton. Any departure from this renders the master liable, on the prosecution of the informant, to a penalty not exceeding 500 pounds. It is sometimes erroneously supposed that by adding a border to other ensigns, and thus varying them from those used by Her Majesty's ships, the penalty is evaded, but such is not the case, as the wording of the law is precise that none other than red ensigns shall be worn, and that the use of any ensign or pendant resembling or appearing to resemble those appropriated to Her Majesty's ships shall render the master and owner liable to prosecution.
Pilots in charge of ships outward bound are required to conduct them, according to the channel they take, either to the N.W. buoy of the Horse channel, the Queen or Victoria channel fairway buoys, or the Formby N.W. buoy, and in case of a pilot quitting the ship against the master's consent, and without fulfilling this obligation, all pilotage money which otherwise would have been due becomes forfeited.
The pilot service of the port of Liverpool is under the control of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
Complaints and reports of alleged misconduct on the part of the pilots must be made in writing, signed by the complaining party, and sent to the superintendent of pilotage, or left at the office, south side of Princes dock.
There is a large fleet of steam tugs, about 100 in number, to be distinguished only by being paddle wheel, and an uniform rig of one mast.
Life-boats are maintained at various parts of the coast bounding the entrance of the Mersey; namely, at the Point of Air, two; at Helbre island, one; at Hoylake, one; at Formby point, one; and at the Princes stage, Liverpool, two. Besides which, the National Institution have a station with two boats at New Brighton, one of which is tubular; there are also belts and lines at Hoylake and Waterloo. The boats have all been placed since 1840, and are manned by picked fishermen residing near the several stations. All masters and others in charge of vessels entering or quitting the port of Liverpool, requiring the assistance of life-boats belonging to the Dock trustees, either for the preservation of life or other purposes, are requested to hoist the distress signal, in order that the boats may be dispatched as soon as possible.
From the foregoing description it will be understood that the lights, buoys, and beacons for the navigation of the Mersey are so complete that any intelligent seaman if overtaken by a gale, and unable to procure a pilot, may ran for whichever channel appears most eligible, provided the marks can be discerned, but thick weather is very prevalent in Liverpool bay, specially during westerly winds, and the smoke of the town effectually obscures objects with off-shore winds. The caution, therefore, naturally presents itself that the port should never be attempted without a pilot, except in cases of emergency, when vigilance and a careful attention to the following directions would be absolutely necessary.
Horse And Rock Channels conduct by one long bending reach into the Mersey, which channel, passing between East Hoyle bank and Mockbeggar wharf on one side, and the Six-and-Four-feet flats, North spit and North and Brazil banks on the other side, leads from the Fairway Bell buoy to Rock lighthouse. The Horse channel begins about 3 miles from the light-ship, and extends to the North spit, or to the line of the Hoylake lighthouses in one; its whole length being from the Fairway buoy 4.75 miles. Advancing inwards from the Fairway to between the East Hoyle bank and the Eastern flats, the soundings are from 7 to 5 and 6 fathoms at the narrowest part of the channel, which is abreast the black perch buoy, which marks the elbow of the Six-and-Four feet flats, where it is a quarter of a mile wide; it afterwards maintains an average breadth between the 9 feet lines of about 3 cables up to the Spencer buoy, but the depths are only from 3.5 to 4 fathoms in the centre. The steep edge of the East Hoyle is marked by four red buoys, the outer one, or No. 1, carrying a perch.
The Rock channel, as the inner reach is called, is bounded by the flat from the main on the south side, which dries out three-quarters of a mile at the Dove spit at the east entrance to Hoylake; abreast Leasowe castle and Wallasey Sand-hills, the breadth is half a mile. Six red can buoys mark the southern side of the channel, and one Bell beacon and six black nun buoys mark its northern side. The general direction of the channel is about E. 1/4 N.; it is rather more than a quarter of a mile wide at Dove spit, and continues with nearly the same width to the black buoy R. 4, with a central depth of from 4 to 1.75 fathoms. It then becomes rapidly contracted, and for a mile to the westward of Rock lighthouse the passage is very narrow and tortuous, and the bank approaches to within half a cable's length of the flat from the main; for the distance of half a mile it may be considered a bar, through which at low-water springs is a narrow channel, named Rock gut, which has in some parts not more than half a foot water.
Tides.-In the Horse and Rock channels the first half of the flood and
last half of the ebb sot fairly in and out, but after half flood, when
the banks become covered, and before half ebb as they become uncovered,
the tides set obliquely across the North spit, in a direction to and for
the Rock lighthouse.
Directions, by Day: Being near the N. W. light-ship, and having the
land objects distinct, run in for the Fairway bell beacon, and onward
from thence with Bidston lighthouse open it apparent breadth to the
eastward of Leasowe lighthouse, S.E.; passing near a cable's length to
the eastward of the three red buoys H. 1 (with a perch), H. 2, and H. 3.
When Hoylake high lighthouse has been brought to bear South, or when the
vessel is about midway between buoy H. 3 and the perch buoy of the
flats, haul promptly to the southward and make a South course until
Bidston lighthouse appears twice its breadth open to the southward of
Leasowe lighthouse, S.E. 1/4 E.; then steer on a direct line for Bidston
lighthouse until the Hoylake lighthouse are in line, which will lead to
a position l.5 cables to the south-west of Spencers buoy.
It is to be regretted that the Horse channel has become tortuous from
the continued increase of the elbow of the East Hoyle to the eastward,
and of the Six-and-Four feet flats to the westward, so that the lights
which were placed to lead in a direct course through, will no longer
answer that purpose.
To vessels working in, the Newcombe knoll is in the approach to Horse
channel; those of moderate draft may pass close to the westward of the
buoy, but the lead would not give sufficient warning on its north side
to heavy vessels. Kirby church, a quarter point open to the westward of
Hoylake hotel bearing South, leads only a quarter mile to the westward
of the buoy in 3.5 fathoms at low water, and Bidston lighthouse in line
with Leasowe castle. S.S.E. 1/4 E., leads midway between the knoll and
Burbo flats in 4 fathoms, and outside the general tread of the flats.
Entering Rock channel, and being a cable's length to the southward of
Spencers buoy, steer E. by S. 1/2 S. for three-quarters of a mile, or to
abreast of R. 2 red, when Bidston lighthouse will again be open its own
breadth to the eastward of Leasowe lighthouse, S.E. 1/4 S., and the
chimney of Bootle waterworks (which is generally smoking) will be in
line with the south side of Rock fort, E. 3/4 S. From this position steer
E. 1/4 N. for upwards of 3 miles to the Rock gut, commencing from a
little east of R. 5 red buoy, having passed Nos. 3 and 4 about half a
cable on the north side.
In scant winds, and with the weather too hazy to admit of the marks
being distinctly seen, the lead will give due warning when standing
towards the Six-and-Four feet flats, but it must not be trusted on the
other side when approaching the steep edge of East Hoyle bank. In the
Rock channel also the way may be safely felt by the lead along the
southern flat, but it is of little avail when standing towards the
abrupt edge of the northern banks.
A vessel having arrived above Leasowe light, and the tide not having
flowed enough to allow of her passing through Rock gut into the
Mersey, may anchor in Leasowe hole just to the south-west of black buoy
R. 3, where there is 13 feet at low water, or she may go farther in to
Wallasey hole, which is between the black buoys R. 4 and R. 5, where the
depth is from 24 to 1S feet at low water, but the available width is
little more than a cable's length. Not many years ago the largest ships
belonging to Liverpool could proceed to sea from these roadsteads at low
water, but now vessels.ls drawing 18 feet cannot proceed outwards from them
before first quarter flood.
Rock Gut is, as before observed, narrow, and great caution is necessary
in using it, lest in avoiding the steep edge of Brazil bank, the vessel
approach the southern flat too closely, and trail upon the ridge of
shingle which stretches from the Rock lighthouse parallel to the shore
for fully a mile to the westward. It is also necessary in rounding Rock
lighthouse to beware of the rocky ledge which projects from it for a
cable's length to the north-eastward, and also of the steep sandy elbow
within it, named the Ripraps, which is marked by red buoy R. 6.
It has been mentioned in the description of Rock lighthouse that a black
ball hoisted by the side of the lantern denotes a depth of 11 feet
through the Rock gut, and that the same depth at night is indicated by a
light from the lower chamber of the lighthouse. At half-tide, a depth of
15 feet will generally be found in the passage.
Being in a position in Wallasey hole, about midway between the black and
red buoys, R. 6, continue the course E. 1/4 N. as before for a quarter of
a mile, when steer for Bootle chimney, E. by S. 1/2 S., which will then
be a little south of the black perch buoy, R. 7 and R. 6; keep on this
line until near R. 6, and then steering S.E., pass the Rock lighthouse
about half a cable off and out round R. 6 red buoy; abreast of which the
water quickly deepens to 6 and 7 fathoms in the main channel of the
Mersey.
Anchorages,- The anchorage to be taken up must depend on the vessel's
destination. If bound to the docks, she should anchor as soon as
possible after the Ripraps, or R. 6 buoy, has been rounded, between
Egremont and New Brighton in about mid-channel off a sandy shelf, which
is much resorted to as an anchorage and beaching ground for small
crafts; but if intending to proceed to Sloyne road,* on the Quarantine
ground, the chart will be the best guide. It must, however, always be
borne in mind in reference to anchorage, that abreast Rock lighthouse,
the stream at springs runs at the rate of 4 knots, and in Sloyne road
rather more than 5 knots, per hour. A good scope of cable should be
given, and a second anchor ready for letting go, care being taken to
sheer clear of the anchor when swinging; and at night to exhibit the
proper anchorage lights.
* The question has been discussed as to the necessity of guarding
against accident to the numerous lives that cross to and fro between
Liverpool and Birkenhead in the ferry steamers by interdicting anchorage
in this part of the river which includes the track of the Woodside
boats; and the pilots are under instructions to refrain from the choice
of that anchorage, whenever the prudent management of the ship will
permit.
By Night.-It would be the height of rashness in a stranger to attempt
the Horse and Rock channels by night without a pilot, unless under
circumstances that would admit of no alternative; in which case, the
following directions will avail the intelligent seaman, provided he can
depend on the steerage of his vessel.
The first step to be taken will be to endeavour to identify with
certainty the various beacon lights; for there are many other lights in
and about Liverpool, as well as from the smelting furnaces about the
Dee, which tend to perplex the seamen. This point having been
established, and the position of his vessel determined, he should then
inform himself as to the actual state of the tide and depth in the
channels by a reference to the table in the Appendix, so that he may be
able to verify his position at each cast of the lead.
Proceeding thus cautiously, close the N.W. light-ship, and steer from
her for the Fairway bell beacon, S. by E., allowing for tidal set, until
Bidston light is about one degree to the left or eastward of Leasowe
light, S.E., in order to clear the elbow of the East Hoyle. The position
of the Fairway bell beacon will be more readily identified by
remembering that it is on the southern limit of the visibility of the
Crosby light; also that it is within that of the red cut of the light of
the Great Ormes head. Hoylake upper light will first appear on a S. by
E. 1/2 E. bearing, when the vessel has arrived between H. 1 and 2 buoys
marking East Hoyle, but the S.E. course must be continued until Hoylake
lower light appears bearing South, when the vessel's head must
immediately be turned towards that light, so as to avoid the Six-feet
flats. Bidston light will speedily close with and cross that of Leasowe,
and must be opened a degree and a half to the southward of it in order
to give a sufficient berth to the buoy of the flats. Now steer towards
Bidston and Leasowe lights, keeping them in the same relative positions
until Hoylake lights have been brought in line S.W. by S. 1/4 S., when, if
before half-flood, the vessel may safely anchor till a pilot be
obtained; but if at a later period of the tide, she may proceed into the
Rock channel, and take up a berth more protected from the swell.
If desirous of proceeding on instead of taking up an anchorage when
Hoylake lights appear in line, then alter course to E. by S. 1/2 S. for
three-quarters of a mile, then E. 1/4 N., until Leasowe light disappears
suddenly on a S.W. 3/4 S. bearing. The vessel will then be a little past
the West Wharf red buoy R. 3, and if dependance can be placed on her
answering her helm quickly, the surrounding objects be tolerably
distinct, and the master has sufficient confidence in himself, he most
continue on the some course of E. 1/4 N. until Bidston light in like
manner disappears, bearing S. by W. 1/2 W. He will then be abreast East
Wharf, and approaching the red buoy R. 5; from whence the vessel must be
rounded to an E. by S. 1/2 S. course for the black buoy R. 6, and from
thence pass out 1.5 cables to the northward of Rock light. Shoot well
into the stream of the Mersey till Rock light bears W. by S., when,
heading South for a convenient berth, anchor with Rock light about
N.N.W. in 10 fathoms. It must, however, be remembered, that the
holding-ground is treacherous, and that there is a weighty and rapid
tide towards and during springs.
Should it blow so hard from the northward in the morning as to render
the berth unsafe, and to prevent a pilot getting on board, it will be
prudent to slip, that is, if it be not practicable to wait for low water
to weigh, and run up to the sheltered anchorage and excellent
holding-ground of Sloyne road, one-third of a mile S. 1/2 E. from
Birkenhead ferry.
Hoylake or Hoylelake, once a roadstead of great resort, and where
William III. landed in 1690, and latterly the resort of pilot boats and
small coasters, is now only available at high water as an anchorage for
a few fishing craft, or as a good refuge for vessels having parted their
anchors; it is but a narrow gut, and only now affords a low-water depth
of from 7 feet a little west of L. 1 buoy, to 3 off the church, and the
former entrance from the westward is entirely closed up.
At the eastern end of the lake, on the south-eastern elbow of the East
Hoyle, nearly on a line of the Dove beacons, is Jacksons buoy, a red
nun, and marked L. 1, and another red buoy, L. 2, is on the southern
edge of East Hoyle bank, half a mile from buoy L. 1.
Directions.-The eastern entrance to Hoylake has a depth of 7 feet at
two hours' flood. To enter it from the Horse or Rock channel great care
is necessary to guard against running on the high part of the Dove spit,
which is very dangerous; leave R. 1 red can buoy on the port-hand, and
keeping the northern of the Dove marks just open to the eastward of tho
southern one, steer for the easternmost of the Hoylake buoys L. 1, leave
it close upon the starboard hand, and if intending to beach steer along
shore for three-quarters of a mile to the next red buoy, L. 2, and the
farther you can reach towards the Hoylake lower light the smoother will
be the water.
Queens and Crosby Channels.
Up to a very recent period, Victoria channel, was a principal passage
into the Mersey both by day and night, but it has for some time been
undergoing changes, and as it became more indirect and tortuous the
Queens channel improved in proportion; consequently, Formby light-vessel
has been shifted from her old position in the line of Victoria channel,
and established as a night mark for leading through Queens channel, thus
rendering the latter the only safe night channel, whilst it is at the
same time the best day passage under most conditions of wind and weather
(see note below).
As, with Crosby channel, the Queens is now the principal passage into
the Mersey; it will be first described, although it is somewhat out of
the order of progressive description.
In the fairway of Queens channel, and more than half a mile Outside the
bar, is a large black bell beacon buoy marked Q. Fy., and of a rather
peculiar form, consisting of a circular platform or base, supporting a
pillar 20 feet above the level of low water. On the summit of the pillar
is a framework, in which is suspended a bell and clappers, the latter
kept in action by the rocking motion of the buoy, the whole surmounted
by a ball, the total height being 30 feet; the beacon can be seen in
clear weather from 7 to 8 miles off, and the bell heard, when the wind
is moderate, at a distance of half a mile. It lies E. 1/4 N., 3.5 miles
from the N.W. light-ship, one mile north-west of the Queens channel bar,
with Formby light-vessel in line with Crosby shore light, S.E. by E. 1/2
E., and is moored in 6.5 fathoms at low water.
Queen channel is between Little Burbo bank to the south-westward and
Zebra and Jordan' flats to the north-eastward; and at its entrance, the
bar connecting the outer portions of these dangers, has an average depth
of 11 feet over it at low water. This bar is about one-fifth of a mile
wide, and the passage over and within it up to Formby light-vessel is
marked by three red can buoys upon the south-western side, and by three
black nun buoys on the northern side, as already described. The two
outer buoys, which are two-thirds of a mile apart, and mark the width of
the passage over the bar, bear respectively S.E., six-tenths of a mile,
and N.E. by E. 3/4 E., two thirds of a mile from the Queens fairway beacon;
while Formby lightvessel is rather more than one and a half miles from
the latter of the two.*
Note. - It should be carefully noticed that the line of lights instead
of leading midchannel, as formerly, now forms the clearing mark for the
north side of the Little Burbo bank.
* By a recent examination of this channel (July 1869) the Little Burbo
is extending slightly to the northward, and the buoys Q 1 and 2 will be
shifted nearer towards the leading mark. Also the buoys C 2 and 3 in the
Crosby channel will be moved a little towards the north-east as the
patches are spreading towards the channel in that direction. junction of
Victoria and Queens channels, South four cables. Within the
light-vessel, the lower reach of Crosby channel is marked by the three
red can buoys (No. 3 with a.perch) on the south-wast side, and by four
black nun buoys on the north-east side. This portion of the channel is
direct, and has an average depth of 5 to 7 fathoms in it at low water,
while in no part of it is the width less than half a mile.
Queens channel ends, and the lower reach of Crosby channel begins, at
Formby light-vessel, which is moored in 40 feet at low water; from her
Crosby lighthouse is open to the northward of Crosby beacon, S.E. by E.
3/4 E.; Crosby light-vessel is S.E. 1/2 E., nearly 2.5 miles; the black
buoy C. 1 at the north-west spit of Taylors bank, E. by S., half a mile;
the red buoy C. 1 eastward of the West Middle shoal (a projection from
Great Burbo bank), S.E. by S. 1/4 S., above a mile; and the red perch
buoy V. 3 upon the north-east spit of the West Middle shoal, and at the
junction of the Victoria and Queens Channels, South four cables.
Within the light-vessel, the lower reach of Crosby Channel is marked by
three red can buoys (No. 3 with a perch) on the south-west side, and by
four black nun buoys on the north-east side. This portion of the
channel is direct and has an average depth of 5 to 7 fathoms in it at
low water, while in no part of it is the width less than half a mile.
Crosby light-vessel, moored at the north-east bend of Crosby channel,
opposite the north-eastern elbow of Great Burbo bank, is in 7 fathoms at
low water, and lies with Rock lighthouse bearing, S. by E., 4.75 miles;
Crosby lighthouse,E 1/2 S., 2.1 miles; also the black nun buoy C. 5 at
the south end of Formby bank, S.E. by S., 1.25 miles; the red can buoy C.
4 on the edge of Great Burbo bank, S. 1/4 W., 1.25 miles; and the red can
buoy C. 3 with a perch, S.W. 1/4 S., half a mile. Within the
light-vessel, Crosby channel which is direct to abreast Rock lighthouse,
is marked on the western side by the red can buoys C. 4 to C. 7, and
also by the black nun with a perch, R. 7, at the outlet of Rock gut; and
on the eastern side by the three black nun buoys C. 5 to C. 8. The least
water in the sailing reach through it is 25 feet at low-water springs,
but the average depths are 5 to 7 fathoms, while it possesses a width of
fully three-quarters of a mile in every part.
From the foregoing description it will be understood that in Queens and
Crosby channels collectively there are only three courses, namely, from
the Queens fairway buoy to Formby light-vessel, S.E. by E. 3/4 E.; from
thence to Crosby light-vessel, S.E. 1/4 E,; and, lastly, from Crosby
lightvessel to abreast Rock lighthouse, S. by E. 1/2 E.
Directions.-By Day.-It was remarked in the description of Great
Burbo bank that an extensive tongue projected from it to the
north-westward. Six fathoms upon the outer end of this tongue is 4 miles
to the westward of the Bell beacon, and within half a mile south of the
N.W. light-ship. The general low-water depth of this spit is 3.5 and 4.5
fathoms, with a small patch of 3 fathoms over it, causing, in strong
westerly winds, during the ebb tide a short cross sea, which small
vessels will do well to avoid. For this purpose, while approaching Queen
channel, do not open Crosby lighthouse to the southward of Formby
light-vessel, or bring either of these objects to the eastward of S.E.
by E. 3/4 E. while the vessel is approaching them. Should the weather be
too hazy to admit of objects being discerned, then the soundings will
prove an useful guide, for in the fairway the depths decrease. from 8 to
6 fathoms, and the bottom is mud, whereas the tongue is of sand, with
less depths over it.
Having arrived near the Queens fairway beacon, pass it on the starboard
hand, and proceed towards the bar with Crosby shore lighthouse open a
little to the northward of Formby, light-vessel; at a distance of half a
mile the ship will be between the two bar buoys, Q. 1, black and red,
and over the steep edge of the 11-feet bar; in another quarter mile
the water will have deepened 3 feet, and when advanced to between the
buoys Q 2 it will have deepened 7 feet. At Formby light-vessel the depth
will be 40 feet. She may be passed on either side, but the track to the
southward will be generally the best, as it is more direct, and has
greater width. From the necessity of mooring Formby light-vessel with a
long scope of chain, she makes a circuit of about 30 fathoms across in
swinging, and though this fact is not of present importance, on account
of the ample breadth of Queens channel at the bar, it should be kept in
remembrance, in case of any future tendency towards a decrease of width.
The Zebra flats, forming the north-eastern boundary of the bar, being
very low, a vessel in scant easterly winds, without a pilot or steam
tug, may make free with it, instead of confining herself to short boards
within the limits of Queens channel, that is, if the tide be near half
flood or has flowed sufficiently for the required draught.
Bidston lighthouse, in line with Formby light-vessel, S. 1/2 E., clears
Jordan flats in 5 feet at low water, and marks the limit to which a
vessel may stand in crossing the flat into Queens channel, and toward
Formby light-vessel. It must, however, be remembered that 5 feet less
depth will be found in this track than in that over the bar of Queens
channel.
From Formby light-vessel make good a S.E. 1/4 E. course for 2.5 miles to
Crosby light-vessel, passing her on either hide, as most convenient, and
then a S. by E. 1/2 E. course for 5 miles will lead to abreast Rock
lighthouse and into the Mersey. Burbo bank, which dries from 17 to 22
feet above low-water springs, generally shows itself, but in the event
of its being covered, and the buoys not watching, an excellent leading
mark for clearing the Burbo bank will be the gothic tower of St.
Nicholas church (near Liverpool docks) in line with Rock light-house,
bearing S. by E. 1/3 E. Vessels working in with the flood should also keep
to the eastward of this line. It is, however, too close a mark for
vessels proceeding out with light winds during the ebb, as the stream
sets strongly through the swatchways of Great Burbo bank for some time
after high water, and the same oblique set is felt in a degree during
the whole of the ebb near the edge of the sand, especially opposite the
openings abreast the red buoys C. 6, C. 5, and C. 4.
When the Rock lighthouse has been passed the instructions for anchoring
given on page 148 must be followed.
If a crippled ship should have entered Crosby channel it may be useful
to know that she may beach in comparative safety on tolerably soft
ground off the south end of Waterloo terrace, where she will probably
beat up close to high-water mark, and be partially protected by a ridge,
the surface of which is above high water of neap tides, whereas on the
shore to the northward she would be exposed to a heavy and destructive
surf.
By night, in a Gale.-Should a stranger be compelled to find his way
through Queen and Crosby channels at night during a north-west gale, he
will have to depend altogether upon the relative positions of the
lights, for he cannot expect to see either beacons or buoys. In such a
case he should use every exertion to hang off until such time as he is
satisfied, after reference to the Tide Table in the Appendix, that there
is sufficient depth over the bar for the draught of his vessel, allowing
five or six feet for the send of the sea. If it be practicable, he
should endeavour to keep the offing till two-thirds flood, for with the
great rise of tide in Liverpool bay be may at that time sail over many
of the sands, especially those bounding the bar, which are low, having 5
to 6 feet over them at low water. The lights used for the bar must also
be clearly distinguished, Formby floating light red, and Crosby shore
light, which is white and fixed,. and will appear more elevated than the
former. When these lights have been recognized, open the Crosby and to
the north of Formby light, and steer in as before. The safely of the
vessel will now principally depend on the self-possession of the
commander, the vessel being under well trimmed and manageable storm
canvas, and in the hands of an experienced and vigilant helmsman.
Probably not a single cast of the lead could be made sure of, flying, as
the vessel would be, on a succession of crested seas; nevertheless, the
lead should be kept constantly going. Avoid striking the large and
massive fairway beacon buoy, which lies in the track; remembering,
however, that under the circumstances of darkness, storm, and, perhaps
difficult steerage, great caution will be necessary, so as not to open
the lights too much in your endeavour to clear it. The sea running in a
more regular trough will be the first indication of the vessel being
within the bar, and as the distance from thence to Formby light-vessel
is little over a mile, it will be necessary to be prompt with the port
helm, so as to pass to the southward of her, and then to alter course
quickly to S.E. 1/2 E. for Crosby floating fixed lights. Steer as nearly
as practicable in the line between the two light-vessels, for though the
channel is one-third mile wide, it admits of but little licence in
yawing. Pass Crosby light-vessel on either side, and then alter course
to about S. by E. 1/2 E., or S. by E. 1/4 E. This latter course, which will
bring the revolving red and white light at the Rock over the starboard
cat-head, will have to be continued for 5 miles nearly, when the Rock
light will be on the starboard beam, and less than half a mile distant;
then haul towards the western shore, take the canvas in, and anchor as
far to windward as the draught of the vessel, taken in connexion with
the rise and fall of the tide, will allow of. Give plenty of cable, and
if necessary let go another anchor; for the ground is loose, the bank
is steep, and the tide streams are rapid.
Tides-From Formby light-vessel the flood stream sets about S.S.E.,
except during the first quarter, when it runs about S.E. The ebb sets N.
by W. 1/4 W. towards Formby light-vessel.
General remarks.-It has been observed that there are only two lighted
passages into the Mersey for night navigation, namely, by the Horse and
Rock channels, and by Queens and Crosby channels, and the directions
which have been given are, it is to be hoped, so plain that they would
effectually aid a stranger unable to procure a pilot in finding refuge
through either passage if circumstances should render his keeping at sea
impossible. But in this perilous situation, aggravated perhaps by
darkness, squalls, and driving showers of sleet or snow, the seaman may
have but little time to make his choice, and a few remarks will,
therefore, now be offered as to the principal advantages and risks of
both passages, it being of course assumed that he will be thoroughly
aware as to how far he can depend upon his vessel, whether she be one
likely to broach-to with a heavy quarterly sea, or whether he can safely
rely on her promptly answering the helm.
Queens channel is obviously the most eligible in moderate and clear
weather, when all the lights can be seen at night, and the buoys by day;
but, on the other hand, in strong westerly gales, the whole force of the
swell rushing into its entrance produces a tremendous breaking sea,
attended by a treacherous undertow, which recoils from the steep face of
the bar. In such circumstances, the best handled vessel might broach to,
or a passing shower might conceal one of the leading lights for a few
minutes, and that in a channel too narrow to admit of much deviation
from a direct course. In either case the risk would be imminent of being
swept upon one of the banks, which are between 4 and 5 miles from the
nearest land, and where, should the vessel hold together until daylight,
and her situation be observed, she would be directly to windward of the
life-boats, and precluded from receiving any assistance. The N.W.
light-ship on the contrary, is equally close and in the fairway of the
Horse and Rock channels; the depth of water is at the least 9 feet
more, and where, as the sea is not so turbulent, there is less risk of
broaching to. The channel is narrow, yet the weight of the sea will have
somewhat diminished before the vessel enters it, and when abreast the
Spencers buoy, even if the Rock light should be obscured by a sudden
shower, and that the vessel should be stranded as a consequence, she
will be within less than a mile of a shore where a look-out is always
kept up from the lighthouses, and where, at both ends of the channel,
life-boats are always held in readiness for launching.
In the bight of the Hoyle between H. 4 red, and Spencers bell beacon,
there is good anchorage over a bottom of mud and sand, and tolerably
smooth water until the banks are covered, when a heavy sea will roll in,
and if the vessel will not fetch through the rock channel every
precaution will be required to ride it out, and should beaching be the
alternative, the farther to windward of the Hoylake entrance a berth has
been taken up the better.
It was mentioned on p. 147 that the Horse and Rock channels are
undergoing change, and should they eventually become more shallow and
intricate than they are at present, the preference here given to them
will no longer hold good.
Victoria channel is only to be used as a day passage. It is formed
between Little Burbo bank, and the north-west extremity of Great Burbo;
the flat connecting the outer part of these sands and stretching across
the entrance of the Victoria channel has 17 feet over it at low-water
springs, but only from 10 to 12 feet at the inner end or bar, between
buoys V. 3 and Q. 3, and 18 feet at the first quarter of flood.
The Fairway buoy, V. Fy., moored in 22 feet rather more than half a mile
outside Victoria bar, is a large black nun with perch. From it the N.W.
light-ship bears W. by N. nearly, 3.5 miles; Queens Fairway bell beacon
N. by E. 1/4 E., nearly a mile; Crosby lighthouse appears just open to
the southward of Crosby beacon, E. by S. .1/2 S.; and the Horse channel
Fairway bell beacon nearly S.W. 1/2 W. 3.75 miles.
Victoria channel, which extends with a curved form in a general E.S.E.
direction, is marked on the south-west, or Great Burbo side, by four red
can buoys, V. 1 to V. 3 and Q. 3 with perch, and on the north-east by
three black nun buoys, V. 1 to V. 3. The width of the channel at the
entrance is a quarter of a mile, but over the bar within, at its
junction with the Crosby channel it diminishes to two cables.
Directions.-From the south side of the Fairway buoy proceed in on an
E. by S. 3/4 S. bearing for 1.5 miles, or until between buoys V. 1 and "V.
2, black and red, then alter course to East little northerly for
three quarters of a mile, then N.E. by E. 1/2 E. for the Crosby channel,
over the bar between the buoy V. 3 black, and Q. 3 red, with a perch.
Having entered the lower reach of Crosby channel by either of these
passages, then proceed as directed on page 153.
Formby Channel-Formby old channel was formerly used as the general
northern approach to the Mersey, but it is now seldom entered except by
coasters. It is a narrow passage or gut bounded on the eastern side by
the great sandy spit or flat off Formby point called Mad wharf, which
dries out more than a mile from the sand-hills, and then under the name
of Formby spit continue as a shallow bank for 2.5 miles farther to the
north-westward. From this spit the shoal water boundary trends easterly
towards the mouth of the Ribble, and south-westerly towards the Bell
beacon. The channel is contained between Jordan bank and the shallow
water from it to the south-westward, and Formby spit and the Mad wharf
to the north-eastward. The inner portion of the channel, between the
high part of the banks, and named Formby pool, ends abreast of the
life-boat house and flag-staff in a line; but a narrow swatchway
between the latter sand and Jordan bank, named Formby deep, connects the
pool with Crosby channel.
On the outer edge of the flat and in the seaward approach to Formby
channel, lies a large black nun buoy lettered F. N.W., and known as the
North-west buoy, in 28 feet at low water, N.E. 3/4 E., nearly 3 miles from
the Queens bell beacon, in a line with the Zebra buoy, and with Formby
N.W. marks in line, S.E. by E. 1/2 E. One mile farther in on the same
line is the Fairway buoy, a chequered black and white nun marked F.Fy.,
lying upon the flat in 16 feet at low water, and exactly in the middle
of the entrance of the channel. The south-western side of the channel,
formed by the steep edge of Jordan and Taylors bank, is marked by three
red can buoys, F. 1 to F. 3, the latter with a perch, lying south of the
bar of 4 and 6 feet, between Fromby deep and Crosby channel. On the
eastern side of the channel, half a mile within the red buoy F. 1, is a
black nun buoy F. 1, called Formby point buoy; it marks the steep edge
of the Mad wharf. The channel here is about 1.5 cables wide, increasing
to 2 cables into the pool. The north-east entrance of Formby deep is
marked by the black nun buoy F. 2 at the edge of Formby bank beyond the
pool.
Directions.-In running in from the N.W. buoy, with Formby north-west
marks in line, S.E. by E. 1/2 E. the water will gradually shoal from 4 to
3 fathoms, and then to 16 feet at the Fairway buoy, which, having been
passed, the depths will again increase to 3 and 4 fathoms over a muddy
bottom. Sail with the marks in line for four-tenths of a mile within the
Fairway buoy, and then S.E. by S. 1/4 S. between the black and the red
buoys marking the channel, and from the Point buoy S. by E. 1/2 E. into
the pool. The water here is generally smooth when the tide is out, and
anchorage may be taken up a little to the eastward of the red can buoy
F. 2, in 5 fathoms at low water. After half flood a vessel may proceed
from the pool into Crosby channel through the deep (which is, however,
narrow, crooked, and shallow) by passing close to the westward of the
black nun buoy F. 2, and to the eastward of the red can buoy with a
perch F. 3 for Crosby light-vessel.
Should the buoys at the entrance of and in Formby old channel be adrift,
or obscured by breakers, keep Formby North-west marks in line S.E. by E.
1/2 E. as before, and run in until Everton church appears only a little
open of Crosby point, S. by E. 1/2 E.; the latter mark will then lead
through the channel, and to an anchorage near the red can buoy F. 2 as
before.
A vessel having been drifted so far to leeward by westerly gales as to
be unable to weather the flats or fetch into any of the other channels,
may, by attention to the above marks, avoid the danger of the Ribble
banks, and obtain the shelter of Formby pool, where the anchorage is
good, but rather rough towards high water when the banks to the westward
are covered. Vessels also in the last stage of distress running into
this passage will be within reach of the life-boat stationed at Formby
point, where, as well as at Crosby lighthouse, a good-look out is kept,
and a blue flag hoisted immediately a vessel is perceived to be in
distress. At night Crosby light is so marked as not to show when to the
north-eastward of the bearing S.E. by S. 3/4 S.; whenever, therefore, the
light is seen by a vessel outside Formby spit she must be to the
westward of the line of Mad wharf sands, and if she approach the light,
keeping it in view on that bearing, she will pass over Formby spit where
it has a low water depth of 12 feet, and into Formby channel close to
the westward of the black nun buoy F. 1. When within this buoy a more
southerly course must be kept towards the pool so as to avoid the flat.