Cuyahoga, Old River safety zones restrict vessel mooring

News Release

June 7, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 9th District Great Lakes Contact: Lt. Ryan Junod, Marine Safety Unit Cleveland Office: (216) 937-0124 After Hours: (216) 310-2608

Cuyahoga, Old River safety zones restrict vessel mooring

 

 

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

CLEVELAND  — The Coast Guard highlighted safety zones located on the Cuyahoga and Old Rivers near downtown Cleveland where vessels are restricted from mooring, Wednesday.

The 11 federal safety zones are located in various areas along the Cuyahoga and Old Rivers that are dangerous to smaller vessels when commercial vessels are transiting. Large freight ships exceeding 700 feet in length frequently transit the Cuyahoga River.

The safety zones, which extend 10 feet into the waterway, were created in response to multiple vessel collisions that occurred in the mid 1980s. Following these incidents, the Coast Guard collaborated with local stakeholders to improve safety on both rivers. In March of 1989, ten safety zones were established that prohibit vessels from mooring inside designated areas.

In July of 1996, an additional safety zone was created along the Flat's east bank to protect boaters when large freight ships maneuver in the area. This zone extends 10 feet from the riverbank and begins just south of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Bridge #1 extending 600 feet south before ending at Alley Cat’s outdoor patio.

All vessels are restricted from mooring inside these safety zones without specific permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector Buffalo, NY. A detailed list of all 11 safety zones can be found in 33 Code of Federal Regulations 165.903.

Media interested in additional information or interviews should contact Lt. Ryan Junod, Marine Safety Unit Cleveland at (216) 937-0124, or Coast Guard District Nine Public Affairs at (216) 310-2608.

 

 

-USCG-