Date: July 18, 2008 

Contact: U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service
(586) 307-6759
(586) 239-6759

USCG ASKS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO DETECT SOURCE OF GARBAGE WASHING ASHORE ON MICH BEACHES 

CLEVELAND - The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service is asking for the public's assistance to determine the source or sources of trash washing ashore on Lake Michigan beaches from Holland, Mich., to Manistee, Mich.

There were three incidents, this week, of trash washing ashore on Lake Michigan beaches. On July 14, a ten-mile stretch of shoreline was littered with trash near Manistee; on July 15, private beaches near Holland were littered; and on July 16, local beaches in Muskegon, Mich., were littered with trash.

For pictures of the littered beaches, click PICTURE #1 or PICTURE #2 

Any members of the public that notice a similar accumulation of garbage in Lake Michigan or washing up on any Lake Michigan beaches should contact the Coast Guard at (586) 307-6759 through July 25.  After July 25, call the Coast Guard at (586) 239-6759.

While the Coast Guard no longer needs to collect trash as evidence, members of the public are encouraged to use caution when picking up trash and photograph any garbage or debris they see, including photos of any identifying marks.

"We are asking for the public's assistance, but remind everyone to take the proper precautions when handling trash," said Lt. David M. French, Ninth Coast Guard District External Affairs Officer.  "Please don't handle dangerous items.  Report those types of trash to the Coast Guard, immediately, at:

(586) 307-6759 through July 25;

(586) 239-6759 after July 25.

For information on the previous incidents, contact the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (216) 902-6020.

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