US Coast Guard Tightens New York Waterway Security for UN General Assembly

The US Coast Guard and multiple federal, state and local agencies are deploying additional maritime security measures in New York as world leaders gather for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Security operations will run from Tuesday through Monday, with the Coast Guard enforcing designated waterside security zones around the East River during the high-level UN gathering.

The assembly is bringing representatives from nearly 200 countries to the UN campus on New York’s East River, with preparations for the event involving months of planning by security and emergency agencies.

The Coast Guard’s main responsibility is to protect the port and maintain waterside security through enforcement of the designated zones.

The East River security zones will be in effect from September 22 through September 28, covering waters between East 36th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge. The Coast Guard said the specific periods when the waters will be closed will be announced each day through Coast Guard Sector New York and Vessel Traffic Service New York.

Coast Guard Sector New York commander Doreen McCarthy said the agency was coordinating with federal, state and local partners to protect visiting delegations while maintaining operations at the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Units supporting the operation include Coast Guard cutters Katherine Walker, William Chadwick, Penobscot Bay and Bonito, as well as boat stations in New York, Sandy Hook and Kings Point.

Air Stations Cape Cod and Atlantic City, Maritime Safety and Security Teams and Maritime Security Response Team East are also participating in the operation.

The US Secret Service, Department of State, New York Police Department, Fire Department of New York, New York Department of Environmental Conservation and New York Naval Militia are among the partner agencies involved.

The Coast Guard said the security measures are intended to protect the UN General Assembly while keeping the Port of New York and New Jersey open for commercial activity.

Source: FSX Business News