NEW YORK – Security zones will be established on the East River restricting vessel traffic through the upper harbor near the United Nations Headquarters by the Captain of the Port from Sept. 22 to Sept. 29, 2008.
The East River closure has been requested by the U.S. Secret Service and is necessary to protect visiting dignitaries during the U.N. General Assembly and the 63rd Anniversary Celebration located on the East River at East 43rd Street. The security zone includes all waters of the East River from East 35th Street to the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge.
A permanent security zone, (Zone 1), restricts vessel traffic within 175 yards of Manhattan. This area has been in effect since 9/11.
Zone (2): No commercial or recreational vessel traffic in the West Channel of the East River. Vessels shall not transit the West Channel from East 35th St. to the Queesnsboro/59th St Bridge.
Zone (3): No commercial or recreational traffic in the East River between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge except NYC DEP sludge vessels and commercial passenger vessels with USCG Patrol Commander (PATCOM) approval. Commercial passenger vessels will be escorted through the zone along the eastern shoreline at the discretion of PATCOM.
Violations of this security zone are punishable by a $50,000 fine, 5 years imprisonment, or both.
