Coast Guard Advises Mariners of Dangerous Conditions on Hudson River
The U.S. Coast Guard is strongly advising recreational boaters to carefully consider any recreational voyage on the Hudson River, especially its upper reaches and waterways north of the Troy Locks, until further notice.
The Troy Lock is closed and will remain closed indefinitely until debris can be cleared and storm damage repaired. This makes passage through the lock impossible for boaters traveling either north or south until further notice.
In addition, the Hudson River from 10 miles north to 10 miles south of Albany has a significant and potentially dangerous field of debris including large trees and pleasure boats broken free of their moorings washed into the river by flood waters. The field poses a risk to vessels of all types, especially to recreational craft.
“Because of the debris fields and the flood-augmented currents, the river poses potential hazards for recreational boaters,” said Capt. Linda Fagan, Captain of the Port and Commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. “Great caution should, of course, be exercised on any journey, but especially on the Hudson right now because of present conditions.”
The Albany-area debris field is the most extensive collection of obstacles in the river but hazardous objects can be encountered anywhere on the river, especially as the debris flows down river.
If boaters must be on the river, they are urged to exercise extreme caution and to be prepared for extensive delays in their passage, caused by the need to slowly navigate the debris fields.
Boaters are particularly encouraged to limit transits on the Hudson to daylight hours. Boaters should tie up for the night at a marina; although many marinas are damaged or not currently operational. Even areas where vessel operators might normally find a suitable location to anchor could be unsafe due to accumulated debris, underwater obstacles and heavy currents due to flooding conditions.
For more information about conditions of the Hudson River, visit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District.
Boaters who spot debris on the Hudson should immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard at 718-354-4356.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard