BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard continues its response to the W-Sapphire incident in the Chesapeake Bay Tuesday, with updated measures in place to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment.
After the hatch location was identified, the Coast Guard has made the following adjustments:
● Discontinuation of safety zone: The safety zone previously established for all navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay within a 2,000-yard radius of a detached hatch cover at position 39.20692° N, 76.51733° W has been discontinued.
● Intermittent safety zone during recovery operations: An intermittent safety zone will be activated for all navigable waters within a 500-yard radius of the hatch cover at position 39.20865° N, 76.52017° W during dive and salvage operations that are tentatively scheduled for 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
● Active safety zone around vessel W-Sapphire: A 500-yard safety zone remains in effect around the vessel W-Sapphire, anchored at position 39.02333° N, 76.36833° W. Mariners are advised to avoid this area.
● Draft restriction implemented: A draft restriction has been established for vessels transiting within a 500-yard radius of the detached hatch cover, now located at position 39.20865° N, 76.52017° W. Vessels are restricted to a maximum navigational draft of 46.6 feet due to the depth of 49.7 feet at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).
The Coast Guard, in collaboration with its partner agencies, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding maritime operations and ensuring the continued safety of vessels, personnel, and the environment in the Chesapeake Bay.
