19-28-CWS | May 16, 2019
BILOXI, Miss. –The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Office of Marine Patrol advises boaters to use caution while boating in the Mississippi Sound and local tributaries. With the recent amount of rain, numerous logs and debris have drifted from local rivers into the Gulf of Mexico and these navigational hazards can damage vessels, cause injury or be potentially deadly.
Marine Patrol asks that boaters slow down and familiarize themselves in local waters. Additionally, boaters operating near rivers may find themselves operating in higher than normal currents.
“It is recommended that if you are not familiar operating in these adverse conditions, consider finding alternate places to engage in boating activities,” said Marine Patrol Deputy Chief Kyle Wilkerson. “Even though a boat operator may be familiar with a body of water, the current floods can cause change and bring hazards that did not exist a few days ago.”
Unless necessary, boaters should avoid areas that could cause serious damage or harm. Additionally, boaters operating in areas affected by flood waters may encounter dead fish. This may be an effect caused by the increase in freshwater. As always, the Office of Marine Patrol reminds boaters to practice good seamanship, keep a proper lookout and maintain a safe speed.
For more information, contact the MDMR Office of Marine Patrol at (228) 523-4134.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.
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