Merca (SOMER)

The region was used as a fishing inlet for many centuries until the increase of Italian settlers in the region in the early 20th century. This led to an expansion at the port with an increase in commercial activity and infrastructure due to the exportation of bananas to European countries in the early-mid 20th century. The Port of Merca consists of an open roadstead and offshore coral reefs meaning that vessels work cargo using lighters, 348nm offshore. In recent years, conflict has halted commercial activity and destroyed the majority of infrastructure at the port. It is reported that the port is now used by local fishing vessels and traders. The winds and currents in the area vary according to the season. Between May and Sep the SW'ly monsoon predominates, and between Oct and Apr the NE'ly Trades predominate.

Tropical.

Merca is situated on the Indian Ocean, approx 100km SW of Mogadiscio, Somalia.

The anchorage is on the edge of the coastal bank fronting Merca and is entirely exposed. Owing to the steepness of the bank, there is only a narrow space with depths suitable for anchoring. Though it is considered to be one of the worst anchorages on this coast, vessels lying to two anchors with a good scope of cable generally ride out even a strong SW monsoon. Temporary anchorage may be obtained off some of the villages along the coastline from Mogadiscio to Merca, but the anchorages are completely unsheltered. Anchor berths lie on the alignment of Punta Agarre Light and El Mugane Light bearing approx 241°, which line leads clear of the coastal reef S of Merca. During the SW monsoon the best berth, in a depth of 22.0m, is with Merca Rear Leading Light and the beacon standing 37m SW of Sheikh Osman Mosque in line bearing 355°.

BA 671. Admiralty Pilot NP3.

1025.

Not available.

El Mugne Light (01°40.6'N., 044°43.7'E) (black metal framework tower with white stripes, 8m in height) is exhibited 3.5nm SW of Cabel Ras. Punta Agarre Light (white pyramid with black stripes; 4m in height) Merca Leading Lights, in line bearing 343°, mark the approach to Merca anchorage from SE: The front light (white square concrete tower; 6m in height) is exhibited 0.1nm NNW of the front light, at the NW corner of the town wall. A beacon (truncated pyramid, black and white chequers, 6m in height) stands 37m SW of Sheikh Osman Mosque, close to the root of the landing pier.

As a result of the coral reef, which extends along the shoreline approx 5.6nm to 14nm NE of Merca, vessels must anchor 348nm offshore and work their cargo using lighters. There are numerous hazardous rocks and islets which extend up to 1.3nm from the coastline along Mogadiscio to Merca. It has been reported that a wreck is located approx 5.2nm NE of Merca and caution must be taken.

Off Merca the current follows the general direction of the coast, running NE or SW depending on the monsoon, with rates from 3kts to 4kts at times. The flow is strongest at HW and weakest at LW.

Not available.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly monsoon, NE'ly Trades.