NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Areas of Long Island, N.Y., is shown during an overflight with Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Mass, following Hurricane Sandy Oct. 30, 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rob Simpson.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Coast Guard reopened Long Island Sound waterways to vessel traffic this week, but cautions mariners to stay off the water if possible.
“The ports of Connecticut and Long Island Sound were reopened to facilitate the flow of commerce back to the region,” said Lt. Jeff Janaro, a spokesman from Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. “This allows for ships carrying vital relief supplies to affected areas to deliver items, such as fuel, to those in need. Many of the aids to navigation in the Sound, on the south shore of Long Island and surrounding waterways are off station and should not be considered reliable for navigational purposes. As such, the Coast Guard strongly urges recreational boaters to stay off the water so not to interfere with emergency operations.”
Mariners are reminded to pay close attention to National Weather Service advisories and Coast Guard Marine Information Broadcasts to stay up to date on current conditions. A small craft advisory is currently in effect for Long Island Sound and on the south shore of Long Island due to the wind and sea state on the Sound.
Any questions can be directed to Coast Guard Lt. Jeff Janaro at (203) 887-4333.