USCG urges mariners to be vigilant during New London Sailfest

NEW HAVEN, CT — The U. S. Coast Guard expects increased marine traffic on the Thames River in vicinity of New London on July 14, 2018 due to Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks and New London Sailfest.

The local Coast Guard and Maritime Law Enforcement units will enforce a 1000ft safety zone for fireworks display from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm around the fireworks barge just east of New London Waterfront Park.

“We expect to have heavy marine traffic before and
after the fireworks display,” said Capt. Kevin Reed, commander Sector Coast
Guard Sector Long Island Sound. “During this time we urge everyone on the water
to remain vigilant and use extra precautions when sailing up and down the
Thames River this Saturday. We would like to remind paddlecraft and other small
recreation vessel users to be especially careful. Bigger vessels have trouble
maneuvering within congested waters of the Thames River, smaller crafts are
advised to stay off the fairway and use appropriate safety gear like
lifejackets at all times.”

Sector Long Island Sound Public Affairs Team

Phone: 475-355-8394

Email: slispublicaffairs@gmail.com

Military e-mail: do1-smb-slis-pa@uscg.mil

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SectorLongIslandSound/

Home port: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/long-island-sound