VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Coast Guard is enforcing a 200-yard safety zone Tuesday, Nov. 5, around Berth 9 at the Port of Vancouver. A law enforcement team from Coast Guard Station Portland is on scene and working with local law enforcement to remove uncooperative protestors, who were hanging from hammocks at the pier and chaining themselves to the pilings. Protestors are reportedly targeting the motor vessel Patagonia, which is carrying pipeline material onboard. The Coast Guard was notified of the situation at 7:04 a.m. by the Port of Vancouver facility security manager and the Patagonia’s shipping agent. The Patagonia was transiting the Columbia River and inbound Berth 9. The safety zone was established and a safety marine information broadcast is being broadcast over VHF-FM radio. The Coast Guard has enacted special local boating regulations to ensure the safety of waterway users. “Our goal is to ensure all recreational and commercial waterway users are allowed to have appropriate access to the Columbia River,” said Capt. Gretchen Bailey, deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and Acting Captain of the Port. “Activists have the right to peacefully protest on the river as long as they are not impeding vessel movement.”
