The Weser-Jade-North Sea Waterways and Shipping Authority published two notices to mariners today (11 June 2026) that are valid until 23 July 2026 and require increased attention in the East Frisian Islands area.
Buhne H near Wangerooge: Cardinal buoy not in position
The western cardinal buoy "Buhne H" near Wangerooge is currently not in its intended position. The groyne is notorious among sailing experts, as it protrudes around 0.7 nautical miles into the sea inlet towards Spiekeroog and is only visible when the water level is low. The end of the groyne is only about a cable's length away from the green buoy line - a dangerously narrow area that is also bordered by a high sandbank to the west.
Skippers passing through the Seegatt must navigate with particular care between buoys H3/AH14 and H1 and expect strong current shifting. Those who do not keep sufficient distance here can end up in the dangerous area of the groyne with its strong currents.
Blue buoy: Buoy B9 barely visible
Special attention is also required in the Blaue Balje near Minsener Oog: the green fairway buoy "B9" is undercut and can hardly be recognised. The buoy is located directly opposite Buhne 8 at a point where the water depth in the mudflats drops abruptly from two metres to between 10 and 70 centimetres at low tide.
Skippers can sail in a direct line between buoys B11 and B7 - but should be careful not to get too close to the groyne and not to ram the barely visible buoy as an underwater obstacle.
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