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Seen On The River: MV Small World

Posted on Mar 18th, 2016

Photo Paul Smith

Paul and Lauren Smith, owners of this 50’ DeFever trawler, the MV Small World, took their first trip up the San Bernard thirty years ago (not in this vessel). Their home port is Seabrook, Texas.

Sounding more like the boat ride in Disneyland rather than a boat ride on the San Bernard, the MV Small World owners, Paul and Lauren Smith, cruised the river during the first part of March. They considered anchoring over night just south of the ICW and San Bernard intersection, but were not comfortable with the wind prediction and water depth, so they traveled up to Black's Ferry Bridge and anchored about 1/2 mile down river.

Paul remarked in an email, “One issue that we encountered was with the RR bridge (Union Pacific swing bridge at mile 20). I tried calling VHF 10, but no response. I had a telephone number from Active Captain (app that provides cruising boaters with local information). I called several times, but always got a message that the customer was not taking calls. There is an old sign on the bridge that gives two numbers to call to arrange opening with 3 hours' notice. Called both of those several times, but one was a guy who never heard of the bridge and the other had the same message that the customer was not taking calls.

We found some people on a dock just a short way down river from the bridge. They said that they think the tugs have some kind of remote control to open the bridge as needed. Very strange. Fortunately, the water level was pretty low (Small World draws 4.5’) and we managed to get under the bridge with about 3 inches to spare. I wouldn't want to try again. If you come across any further information about how to get the bridge opened, I would appreciate hearing it.”