SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard is implementing restrictions on deep draft vessel traffic transiting the southeastern portion of the Anegado Channel, near the Isla Grande Airport after responding to the downed aircraft in San Juan Harbor Wednesday.
Due to its location, the sunken aircraft presents a navigational hazard to inbound and outbound deep draft vessels transiting through that portion of the channel. Personnel from Coast Guard Sector San Juan are working with the Army Corps of Engineers, Puerto Rico Port Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board to remove all restrictions to deep draft vessel traffic as soon as safely possible.
The Coast Guard, along with the Port Authority Officals and San Juan Pilot’s Association are notifying all effected vessels in the area by an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB). Additionally there is a 500-yard safety zone around the crash site, and a temporary buoy to mark the accident location.
Plans to remove the wreckage are being rapidly developed by the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and National Transportation Safety Board members. The final decisions to reopen the affected portion of the Anegado Channel will be made once the wreckage is removed and a channel survey is complete.
“The Coast Guard would like to expresses its deepest sympathies to family members and friends of Baco Feliciano, the pilot involved in yesterday’s fatal plane crash in San Juan Harbor,” said Capt. Drew Pearson, commander Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Feliciano’s loved ones during these demanding times.”
