NORWALK ISLANDS (CHART 221)

are a group of islands, rocks, and shoals which extend from 1 to nearly 2 miles off the north shore of Long Island Sound and have a length of 6 miles from George Rock to Greens Ledge Lighthouse. Cockenoe Island Harbor and Sheffield Island Harbor, good at low water for vessels of about 9 and 12 foot (2.7 to 3.7 m) draft, respectively, are available anchorages, and are the approaches to Norwalk River. These anchorages are marked by Pecks Ledge and Greens Ledge Lighthouses and are easily made. The bottom is very irregular around the islands and rocks in the Norwalk Islands; and, although the area is well surveyed, vessels should, as a measure of safety, avoid all broken ground and proceed with caution when crossing shoal areas. This area is also covered with a mass of oyster stakes and spars, which sometimes tow under or break off, and small vessels, especially, should be on the lookout for them at all times.

Cockenoe Island, at the eastern end of Norwalk Islands, is marked on its south side by two knolls, the rest of the island being low and level. A bar, dry in places at low water but with general depths of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m), connects the island with the north shore at Seymour Point.

Cockenoe Shoal is an extensive and dangerous area which extends 114 miles eastward and east-southeastward and 5% mile southward from Cockenoe Island. The least depths found are shown on the chart, but the entire area is exceedingly broken with bowlders and should be avoided by strangers, even in small craft. About 3% mile eastward of the northern end of Cockenoe Island, rocks bare about 3 feet (0.9 m) at low water, near the outer end of Cockenoe Reef.

George Rock, awash at lowest tides, is at the eastern end of the shoal, and is marked off its northeast side by a black buoy. A lighted bell buoy marks the southeast end of the shoal. Vessels rounding the eastern end of Cockenoe Shoal should give the buoys a good berth.

Channel Rock, with 2 feet (0.6 m) over it, lies 400 yards southwestward of Cockenoe Island and is marked by a red buoy placed 300 yards southwestward of the rock.

Pecks Ledge Lighthouse, on the west side at the entrance of Cockenoe Island Harbor, is a white conical tower, middle part brown, on a black cylindrical pier. The light is group flashing white (first flash 0.5 second, eclipse 7 seconds, second flash 0.5 second, eclipse 22 seconds), 54 feet (16.5 m) high, and visible 13 miles. The fog signal is an air siren, blast 2 seconds, silent 6 seconds.

Cockenoe Island Harbor lies westward of Cockenoe Island, and is marked by Pecks Ledge Lighthouse. It has an anchorage for vessels of less than 9-foot (2.7 m) draft, and is also an entrance from eastward to Norwalk River. The best anchorage for vessels is in the deeper part of the harbor, depths 12 to 25 feet (3.7 to 7.6 m), lying northward and northwestward of the lighthouse. Vessels should proceed with caution at low water when crossing the shoal as 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 m) depths are southward and westward of Channel Rock buoy.

Directions, Cockenoe Island Harbor.-From eastward pass southward of Cockenoe Shoal lighted bell buoy, steer 254° true

(W. 3% S. mag.) until Pecks Ledge Lighthouse bears northward of 285 true (NW. by W. 5% W. mag.), then steer for the lighthouse until up with Channel Rock buoy, and then pass eastward and northward of the lighthouse at a distance of 200 to 300 yards and around black buoy No. 1. From westward give the edge of the shoals a good berth until Pecks Ledge Lighthouse bears westward of 348° true (N. mag.), and then steer this course with the lighthouse on the port bow, passing preferably eastward of the 11-foot (3.4 m) spot lying 300 yards southeastward of the lighthouse.

The following islands and rocks are on the northwest side of Cockenoe Island Harbor: Sprite Island is high and has some trees. Calfpasture Island has several houses and a few trees. The island eastward of Calfpasture Island is low and covered with bowlders. Sheep Rocks are covered at half tide. East White Rock is a high, white rock. Grassy Hammock Rocks are bare at half tide; the rock at the south end of the group is awash at high water, and is marked by Grassy Hammock Light.

Goose Island and Grassy Island are low. The rest of the Norwalk Islands are hilly and are partly settled. Chimon Island is marked by a windmill and water tank. Copp Island has a prominent survey signal. Sheffield Island, the westernmost of the Norwalk Islands, is marked by an unused lighthouse tower (granite building). There is a boat landing on the north side of Sheffield Island.

Great Reef, lying 1/4 mile southward of the western end of Sheffield Island, bares 4 feet (1.2 m) at low water and is marked by a red slatted truncated pyramid on a wooden spindle. Hiding Rocks, Old Baldy, and Old Pelt, lying northwestward of Great Reef, are bare at low water.

Greens Ledge is a rock and sand ridge extending from Sheffield Island to Greens Ledge Lighthouse. There is little depth and rocks bare at low water in places for a distance of nearly 1/4 mile from the island, and thence to the lighthouse there is a depth of about 7 feet (2.1 m) on the ledge. Depths of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.6 m) extend about 400 yards westward and southwestward from the lighthouse, and this part of the ledge is marked at its southwest end by a red buoy. A rocky ledge, on which the least depth found is 21 feet (6.4 m), extends 3/4 mile west-southwestward from the lighthouse. Another rocky ledge, with a least depth of 19 feet (5.8 m), is located about 2 mile south-southeastward from the lighthouse.

Greens Ledge Lighthouse is a conical tower, lower half brown, upper half white, on a black cylindrical pier. The light is fixed white with a red flash of 0.6 second duration every 15 seconds, 62 feet (18.9 m) high and visible 13 miles. The fog signal is a reed horn sounding a group of 2 blasts every 40 seconds, first blast 3 seconds, silent 2 seconds, second blast 3 seconds, silent 32 seconds.

Budd Reef, a small ledge with a least depth of 24 feet (7.3 m), lies 7 mile south-southeastward of Greens Ledge Lighthouse. The bottom is very broken on the south side of Greens Ledge, and deepdraft vessels should pass southward of Budd Reef and the ledge with a least found depth of 21 feet (6.4 m) lying % mile southsouthwestward of Copp Island.

A reef, known locally as Cable and Anchor Reef, covers an area about % mile in diameter, and is located about 2 miles south

eastward of Greens Ledge Lighthouse. The least depths found are 25 feet (7.6 m).

Sheffield Island Harbor, also known as Norwalk Harbor, is formed by the western Norwalk Islands. It is frequently used in the fall and winter, and by tows. The depths of the anchorage northwestward of Sheffield Island range from 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m). The directions from westward for Norwalk River lead through the harbor. The shoal flats on the north side of the harbor have rocks and bowlders in places. Two black buoys and a horizontally striped buoy mark the edge of the shoals on the north side of the harbor southwestward of Tavern Island.

Tavern Island has a number of houses. Little Tavern Island is bare. A rock, covered at half tide, lies 250 yards northeastward of Little Tavern Island and is marked by a private red spindle. A bare rock lies westward of Little Tavern Island. A shoal with 4 feet (1.2 m) over it extends 250 yards southwestward of Tavern Island. A rock, bare at low water, lies about midway between the southwest end of Tavern Island and the wharf at Wilson Point and is marked by a private red spindle.

Cedar Hammock Island has a house on it. There is a prominent pole on the south end of the island and a private landing on its northeast side.

The following are objects near the channel leading from Sheffield Island Harbor to Norwalk River: White Rock shows above high water. White Rock Reef Light, northward of White Rock, is located in a depth of about 9 feet (2.7 m) on the southeast edge of the channel. Long Beach Light is on the west side of the channel, which passes between it and Long Beach. Round Beach Light is on the east side of the channel at the entrance of Norwalk River, and lies 300 yards westward of Round Beach. The latter is a grassy shoal covered at high water, and marked by a lighted beacon maintained privately.

NORWALK RIVER (CHART 221)

is on the north side of Long Island Sound northward of Norwalk Islands, and is important commercially. The river has been improved by dredging a channel 150 feet wide to South Norwalk, where the channel width is 250 feet along the wharves, and then 100 feet wide to Norwalk. The principal entrance to the river is from westward, through Sheffield Island Harbor, from which there is a straight dredged channel 200 feet wide extending to the mouth of the river. In 1932, the controlling depth up to Gregory Point was 10 feet (3 m), thence 11 feet (3.4 m) to Washington Street bridge, South Norwalk, and then 9 feet (2.7 m) to Norwalk. The entrance from eastward, through Cockenoe Island Harbor, is good for a depth of about 6 feet (1.8 m) at low water.

An anchorage basin 10 feet (3 m) deep has been dredged on the east side of the river channel opposite Fitch Point. In 1932, the controlling depths in the anchorage were from 8 to 11 feet (2.4 to 3.4 m).

Gregory Point, marked by a clubhouse and wharf, is on the east side of Norwalk River 11⁄2 mile above the entrance.

At Harborview, on the west side of the river abreast Gregory Point, is a shallow creek, crossed by a lift bridge with an opening 30 feet wide, above which are several marine railways to which a draft of 3 feet (0.9 m) can be taken at high water.

South Norwalk is an important commercial and manufacturing city on the west bank of Norwalk River about 11⁄2 miles above its mouth. The depths at the wharves below the bridges range from about 5 to 12 feet (1.5 to 3.7 m).

East Norwalk, opposite South Norwalk, is reached through a channel dredged 75 feet wide and 5 feet (1.5 m) deep, which is used mainly by small pleasure craft. Fitch Point Light marks the entrance of the channel at the junction with the main channel leading to South Norwalk. The upper section of the channel is marked on both sides by stakes, to which small craft moor. The yacht club is at the head of navigation.

Norwalk is a city on both banks of Norwalk River at the head of navigation 112 miles above South Norwalk. There is a depth of about 10 feet (3 m) at the wharves. The principal items of commerce are coal, building materials, oysters, and petroleum products. The bulk of the tonnage is carried in drafts of from 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7 m). The channel from South Norwalk to Norwalk is winding, with extensive flats on both sides, and requires local knowledge, even at low water, to follow it.

Bridges. Two bridges cross the river at South Norwalk. The lower one is a double-leaf bascule, with an opening 70 feet wide and 8 feet above high water. The second, or railroad bridge, is a center pier draw, with openings 55 feet wide and 16 feet above high water. The overhead wires at the railroad bridge are 170 feet above high

water.

7

Bridge regulations prescribed for the railroad bridge require that the draw be immediately opened at any hour of the day or night upon a signal of one long blast of about five seconds' duration and two short sharp blasts, each of about two seconds' duration, of a horn or steam whistle; except when a train scheduled to pass beyond the bridge without stop has passed the last station nearest the bridge and is in motion toward the bridge, the bridge shall be opened for the vessel as soon as the approaching train has been brought to a stop at the drawbridge signal; also, except between the hours of a. m. and 9 a. m., or between 4 p. m. and 6 p. m., and low tide is predicted in the tide tables published by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey to occur within one hour before or after the time when such signal is given, the opening of the bridge may be delayed not to exceed 20 minutes from the time such signal is given. In case the bridge can not be immediately opened when the signal is given a red flag or ball by day or a red light by night shall be conspicuously displayed. Signals for the opening of the draw shall be answered by a whistle or horn on the bridge with one long and two short blasts when the opening is commenced or by not less than four short, sharp blasts, each of not more than one second duration, when the bridge can not be promptly opened.

For small unlicensed craft which can not pass the closed bridge the draw will be opened as soon as practicable, but in no case shall the delay be over 20 minutes.

Regulations prescribed for the highway bridge require that, except between the hours of 6.45 and 7 a. m., 12 and 12.15 p. m., and 12.45 and 1 p. m., the draw shall be promptly opened upon a signal of three short blasts of a whistle or horn. In case the draw can not be immediately operated when the signal is given, a red flag or ball by day and a red light by night shall be conspicuously displayed.

For small unlicensed craft and vessels propelled exclusively by hand which can not pass the closed bridge, the draw shall be opened promptly, except between the hours of 6 and 7 a. m., 11.45 a. m. and 1 p. m., and 5.30 and 6.15 p. m., provided that for the passage of a barge or other vessel to be hauled through by a line the opening need not commence until a line has been carried through the draw and made fast at a sufficient distance beyond to permit the vessel to be hauled clear of the draw at one operation.

A towboat is stationed at South Norwalk.

Communication.-Freight steamers make regular trips to New York from Norwalk and South Norwalk. The latter is on the main line of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.

Supplies.-Coal and water can be had at the wharves of South Norwalk and Norwalk. Provisions, gasoline, and other supplies can be obtained.

Ice forms in the river and usually obstructs navigation for about six weeks in winter.

Tides. The mean rise and fall of tides is about 7 feet.

DIRECTIONS, NORWALK RIVER

From eastward.-The entrance from Cockenoe Island Harbor is good for vessels of about 5 feet (1.5 m) draft at low water. Follow the directions for Cockenoe Island Harbor and pass eastward and northward of Pecks Ledge Lighthouse at a distance of 200 to 300 yards, around black buoy No. 1; then steer westward to a position 125 yards southward of Grassy Hammock Light, and pass close northward of black buoys Nos. 3 and 5. From 50 yards northward of black buoy No. 5 steer northwestward, heading about halfway between Round Beach Light and buoy No. 4. When nearly abreast the light haul to the northward and pass 250 to 300 feet westward of the light.

From westward.-The entrance from Sheffield Island Harbor is good for a depth of 10 feet (3 m) at low water, and is well marked by lights and buoys.

Passing southward of Execution Rocks Lighthouse a 53° true (NE. by E. 34 E. mag.) course will lead clear of danger for Greens Ledge Lighthouse, passing 1/4 mile southward of The Cows lighted bell buoy. Proceed with caution when crossing the rocky ridge, on which the least depth found is 21 feet (6.4 m), extending 34 mile west-southwestward from Greens Ledge Lighthouse, and pass over 1/4 mile westward and 200 yards northward of Greens Ledge Lighthouse. Then bring the lighthouse astern on a 50° true (NE. by E. 1/2 E. mag.) course, which will lead to a position 100 yards southeastward of the black buoy lying 300 yards southeastern of Tavern Island.

Then steer 33° true (NE. mag.) through the dredged channel, passing 100 feet eastward of the black buoys, 125 feet westward of