Photo Release

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HONOLULU – Coast Guard law enforcement officers are enforcing a temporary safety zone in the waters of Kaneohe Bay starting Monday, to ensure the public’s safety during extraction of a downed Marine Corps CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter from the Sand Bar.

The temporary 2,250-yard by 3,250-yard safety zone is in the shape of a rectangle extending  west from Pyramid Rock to Kapapa Island, then south to the Marker southwest of Ahu’olaka Island, then east to end at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Long Pier, then north along the coastline back to Pyramid Rock.  This safety zone extends from the surface of the water to the ocean floor. This temporary 2,250-yard by 3,250-yard safety zone is anticipated to be enforced for two to six-hour periods during actual airlift operations.  The public will be authorized to transit the area when airlift operations are not occurring. 

A smaller section, 500-yard by 450-yard area around the downed aircraft at position 21 ^o 27.78’N, 157 ^o 48.28’W, of this temporary safety zone will be enforced 24-hours a day until further notice. This smaller enforcement area will be marked with six red cylinder buoys and red/orange flagging when being enforced and broadcast notice to mariners will be provided.

The temporary safety zone will be in effect from 8:01 a.m. on Monday through 8:00 a.m. April 11, 2011, unless canceled earlier by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Honolulu, Captain Joanna M. Nunan.    

The zone will be announced over marine band VHF Channel 16 (156.800) and verbally by on scene U.S. Coast Guard personnel and COTP authorized representatives prior to and during the enforcement of the safety zone to ensure ample public notification.

Under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (33 CFR 165.33), the temporary law prohibits any unauthorized person or vessel from entering or remaining in this safety zone.  Any person entering the zone without the permission of the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port is subject to a penalty of not more than $40, 000 for each violation or a criminal penalty resulting in imprisonment of not more than 25 years, and a fine of not more than $250,000. Offending vessels may also be seized and held liable for any monetary assessments.

“Again, we would like to extend our appreciation for the public’s patience, support, and understanding during this incident,” said Lt. Cmdr. Marcella Granquist.    

For more information about this news release contact Lt. Cmdr. Marcella Granquist at 808-522-8264 x352 or Marcella.A.Granquist@uscg.mil.