WILLOWBROOK, Ill. – The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday evening that a safety zone is in effect on the Illinois River between the towns of Joliet and Lacon, Ill. southwest of Chicago.
Officials from Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan and Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago established a safety zone between mile marker 187.2 and 285.9 in response to hazardous river conditions resulting from two days of heavy rain.
All commercial and recreational vessels are prohibited from transiting or anchoring in the safety zone. Commercial vessels desiring to transit may be given authorization by Captain of the Port on a case-by-case basis, but may not lay up on levees and are restricted to fleeting operations.
The safety zone was established to ensure the safety of maritime operators and citizens of nearby towns, as well as property on and near the swollen river, which is forecasted to remain above safe levels for the next two weeks.
This regulation is in effect from April 18 until April 30.
For more information, contact Lt. Cmdr. David Otani at 630-336-0281.