Editor's Note: Click here to download imagery of the Biglift Barentsz's sister ship. Click here to view the marine safety information bulletin.
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Coast Guard will enforce a temporary safety zone in the Savannah River for the import of intermodal ship-to-shore cranes, Thursday.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Savannah will establish a safety zone during the import of the cranes to ensure the safety and security of the public and all vessels in the channel. The safety zone is expected to take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Vessels are not permitted to enter into, transit through, moor, or anchor within 1,500 feet of the motor vessel Biglift Barentsz, a 519-foot Netherlands-flagged heavy load carrier transiting the Savannah River to Garden City Terminal. No vessels will be permitted in the safety zone 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes after the event unless authorized by the Coast Guard.
“Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah, our maritime law enforcement agency partners, and Savannah Pilots Association are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Savannah River and protecting the safety of the maritime public,” said Cmdr. Nathaniel Robinson, Coast Guard Captain of the Port Savannah.
All vessel operators desiring to enter any safety zone must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port by contacting on-scene Coast Guard patrol craft on VHF-FM channels 21 or 16, or the Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center via channel 16. Violating these zones is a felony offense. Boaters who enter these zones will be escorted from the area immediately and may be subject to fines of up to $250,000 and/or up to six years in federal prison.
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