Coast Guard Locks Down Potomac River After Plane-Helicopter Crash Chaos
Published Date: 2/13/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Potomac River from the 14th Street Bridge to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to keep people and boats safe after a plane and helicopter crash. From February 7 to 21, 2025, only authorized vessels can enter this area to protect first responders working on the scene. This means boaters need to steer clear or get special permission during these two weeks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Two-week navigation ban on Potomac
From February 7, 2025, through February 21, 2025, all persons and vessels are prohibited from entering the Potomac River area between the 14th Street Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Maryland‑NCR or a designated representative. The safety zone covers all navigable waters between those bridges and is intended to protect first responders and the marine environment during salvage operations.
How to get permission to transit
If you need to enter or transit the safety zone during February 7–21, 2025, you must request permission from the COTP Maryland‑NCR or a designated representative by contacting VHF‑FM channel 16 or calling 410‑576‑2693. If granted permission, you must follow instructions and operate at minimum safe navigation speed so as not to endanger salvage operations.
Enforcement and penalties for noncompliance
During the enforcement period, the Captain of the Port or a designated representative may forbid or control movement in the zone; vessels must stop when hailed by an official patrol vessel and comply with directions. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the zone, citation for failure to comply, or both.
Small businesses not significantly affected
The Coast Guard certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this temporary safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency invites small entities with questions to contact the person listed in the rule.
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