SAFETY/RED RIVER/GENERAL/SEC LMR BNM 0030-25

RED RIVER
1. THE COTP LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS ISSUING A HIGH WATER SAFETY ADVISORY FOR THE RED RIVER FROM MILE MARKERS 43.5 TO 168.4.
2. MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO TRANSIT THE RED RIVER WITH CAUTION DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH STRONG CURRENTS, SEVERE OUTDRAFTS, MISSING/OFF STATION ATON AND DIVING BUOYS.
3. THE COTP WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING LIMITS FOR TOWS WHEN THE ALEXANDRIA GAUGE REACHES 24.0' FT AND/OR GRAND ECORE GAUGE REACHES 27' FT AND WILL BE TRANSITING THE RED RIVER FROM MILE MARKER 43.5 TO MILE MARKER 168.4.
4. TOW RESTRICTIONS:
A: TOWING VESSELS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 500 HP PER LOADED BARGE WITH A MAXIMUM TOW SIZE OF 6 BARGES.
B: TRANSIT DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY.
5. FLEET OPERATORS SHOULD REGULARLY CHECK THEIR FLEETS AND IMMEDIATELY REPORT BARGE BREAKAWAYS TO THE U.S. COAST GUARD.
6. MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT SECTOR LMR ON CH 16 VHF-FM OR 314-269-2332 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO REPORT AREAS OF CONCERN.
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