Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: March 20, 2008

Contact:  Lt. Dan Satterfield
(314) 269-2570

COAST GUARD CLOSES PORTIONS OF UPPER MISSISSIPPPI RIVER TO RECREATIONAL BOATERS 

ST. LOUIS - Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Sector Upper Mississippi River has closed the Upper Mississippi River to all recreational boaters between the Chain of Rocks and the J. B. Bridge in Saint Louis.

This closure is a result of the difficulty of navigating towing vessels through the Saint Louis area and dangers to smallcraft due to the extreme high water and heavy debris. 

The Coast Guard warns the public these extreme high water conditions make any activity along or on the water extremely hazardous. Heavy debris and the swift flow of water can flood and sink a boat quickly. Flood waters can also rise quickly endangering people near rivers and other bodies of water.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790