Video Available: DRILL - Coast Guard, partner agencies conduct maritime law enforcement training exercise in Boston Harbor

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast Contact: 1st District Public Affairs Office: (617) 223-8515 After Hours: (617) 717-9609 1st District online newsroom

Editors' Note: Download video HERE.

BOSTON — Coast Guard Sector Boston and port partners conducted a maritime law enforcement drill Wednesday in Boston Harbor aboard the Spirit of Boston cruise ship. 

The exercise improved how maritime law enforcement officers would respond to an active-shooter aboard a vessel. The drill was conducted to ensure the public's safety and security in the maritime environment, and focused on notification procedures, communications, response, and coordination between federal and state law enforcement agencies. 

Teams involved with the exercise included officials from Coast Guard Sector Boston, Coast Guard Station Boston, Coast Guard Station Point Allerton, Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Customs and Border Protection, Quincy Police, Weymouth Police, Massachusetts Port Authority, Entertainment Cruises, and local Harbormasters.

"The Coast Guard and our port partners are committed to protecting the public by staying prepared,” said Capt. Claudia C. Gelzer, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Boston. "The realities of recent national tragedies underscore our urgent responsibility as first responders to plan for and practice dangerous scenarios such as active-shooter situations.”

She said the public, likewise, should always be prepared, remain vigilant when using maritime transportation, and report any suspicious behavior to authorities. 

For more information and active-shooter preparedness resources, visit the Department of Homeland Security website at:

English: https://www.dhs.gov/private-citizen#

Spanish: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/active-shooter-resources-spanish

 

-USCG-