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January 3, 2008

Coast Guard: Conditions ripe for capsizings/ Photo

Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski
Ice forms today on the railings at the boat launch at Colt State Park in Bristol.

On the roads, there’s slipping and sliding. In the water, there’s capsizing.

The Coast Guard is warning mariners that the low temperatures put boats at increased risk for capsizing as ice built up above a boat’s water line moves its center of gravity.

Cutters are patrolling the state’s harbors and are on call, ready to respond to calls within two hours of notification, according to a statement released by the Coast Guard today.

“Our apprehension level is higher at this time of year," Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Johnson, a search and rescue coordinator, said in the statement. "We're much more aggressive with our response when the possibility of icing conditions is present.”

The Coast Guard makes several recommendations to boaters looking to minimize ice build up:

• Maintain radio communication with other vessels and shore regularly
• Keep lifesaving equipment clear of ice and ready for use
• Boats can steam downwind to reduce the speed of ice formation
• Stow as much gear as possible below deck to limit surfaces ice can form on
• Keep freezing ports clear of ice to allow rapid drainage of water
• Remove as much ice accumulation as is safe for current weather conditions

What's in store for mariners? Get the latest marine forecast.
-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 12:34 PM | Permalink

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