Southern Bight

The Southern Bight forms the shallow southern end of the North Sea, between the English coast and the shores of the Low Countries. Sandbanks lie beneath its waters, while the Strait of Dover gives access southward to the Channel. To the north, the bight opens toward the deeper waters beyond the Norfolk Banks and the approaches to the Wash. Ships crossing between England and the continent shared these waters with vessels making their way along the coast, navigating tides and shallows on the approach to ports and river mouths.