Rocket Warning for Alaska Boaters

Boating in Alaska just got a lot more interesting as Coast Guard begins to enforce rocket launch safety zone...

U.S.C.G. Image

We always thought recreational boaters had a lot to worry about. They have to consider the safety of their vessel and crew, other nearby boaters with less experience, bad weather, storm debris, and countless other details. This Tuesday morning, boaters in Alaska can add one more thing to that list...

Rocket Launch Zone Warning

The Coast Guard will establish a safety zone in the vicinity of Narrow Cape and Ugak Island near Kodiak Island for the launch of a U.S. Air Force Minotaur IV Rocket at the Kodiak Launch Complex Tuesday. The safety zone is in effect between 7:40 a.m. and 10 a.m. or until canceled.

The Coast Guard warns that entry into or through this zone is strictly prohibited. The area will be heavily patrolled and the fines stiff. Unauthorized entry could result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines of up to $37,500.

Maybe this type of thing happens all the time, but to be honest this is the first "rocket warning" ever to cross our desk. Perhaps boaters near military zones get used to this sort of thing, but we'd love to hear from you if you have ever had to curtail your boating activities due to some sort of rocket or missile testing.

As for boaters in Alaska, there are a lot of localized boating resources at FirstBoat.com on the boating in Alaska section.

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