Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: June 20, 2008 

Contact:  CWO3 Brandon Brewer

314-269-2602 / 252-267-4811 or, 

PA3 Jaclyn Young
618-225-7111

COAST GUARD CLOSES PORTION OF KASKASKIA RIVER TO RECREATIONAL BOATERS

ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard has closed a portion of the Kaskaskia River to recreational boaters today.

The closure, from mile marker 0.0, at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi rivers, and mile marker 21.0, near Evansville, Ill., is due to high water levels causing floating debris and submerged rock lined banks creating significantly hazardous conditions for recreational boaters.  Flood-related safety restrictions on recreational vessels are also in place due to swifter than usual currents, and limited vessel traffic helps to reduce wakes in flood-affected areas of concern.

Current closures and safety restrictions for recreationals vessels include:

• Kaskaskia River closed to all recreational vessels from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 21.0.

• Approximately 350 miles of the Mississippi River is closed to all recreational vessels from mile marker 522.5 to mile marker 168.7 -- between Lock and Dam 13, near Clinton, Iowa, to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge, just south of St. Louis.  Previously, the river was closed downriver of Lock and Dam 12.

• The Illinois River is closed to all recreational vessels from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 24.0 -- between Grafton, Ill., and south of Michael, Ill.