The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(CLEVELAND) — The Coast Guard on Wednesday highlighted safety zones located on the Cuyahoga and Old rivers near downtown Cleveland where vessels are restricted from mooring.
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 1989, 10 safety zones were established that prohibit vessels from mooring inside designated areas.
In July 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 No. 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, N.Y. A detailed list of all 11 safety zones can be found in 33 Code of Federal Regulations 165.903.
