NEWPORT, KENTUCKY – In an effort to maintain maritime security readiness, local, state and federal agencies will conduct multiple boat drills on the Ohio River October 7 & 8, from 9 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. daily. The purpose of these drills is to enhance safety and security for both law enforcement, and fire and rescue agency personnel who may respond to a potential maritime security incident occurring in the Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley region.
The drills will take place at the B&B Riverboats wharf in Newport, Kentucky adjacent to the passenger vessel Belle of Cincinnati. Underway drills in the afternoon with the passenger vessel Belle of Cincinnati on the Ohio River will be between mile markers 468 and 470.
The drills include a wide range of patrol boat tactics and emergency response procedures. They will also involve multiple police agencies carrying weapons, simulating gunfire, and wearing SWAT style clothing and gear. Underway drills will include first responder patrol boats displaying flashing lights operating near the passenger vessel Belle of Cincinnati.
