GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Officials with the Port of Green Bay are reminding recreational boaters to stay safe throughout shipping season.
Activity is high right now, as officials are reporting a 22 percent increase of cargo moved through the port compared to this time last year.
Leading the way are shipments of salt, petroleum products, and coal, according to officials.
Authorities are sending out a warning regarding safety, since freighters and recreational boaters share the waters Green Bay and the Fox River.
“When you get to these warm temperatures, and enjoyable days to be on the water, you get a lot more recreational users on the water. And we just want to let the recreational boaters know, and be aware of those large vessels, and stay a safe distance away from them,” explains Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay Director.
According to Haen, a “safe distance” for boaters is at least 100 feet away at all times.
“These large vessels, can’t brake, so to speak. They have bow thrusters and prop-wash that comes off those vessels, and you ought to just stay a safe distance,” he explains.
He adds that the same goes for areas of open water, as freighters make their approach down the Green Bay shipping channel.
“Out on the bay, you’re able to run at full speed, and if all of a sudden there’s a wave that’s been thrown a mile away from one of these vessels, and you don’t see it, it could be a hazard,” says Haen.
For those that enjoy the spectacle of watching the massive vessels, it’s been a great season so far to catch a glimpse.
“They’re massive and they’re awesome,” says Mike Osmanski, South Bay Marina Operations Manager.
He says the boats pass the mouth of the Fox River on a regular basis, but on the water, safety should be the priority.
“Having the ships come through here, not only does it help the economy of Green Bay, but it also from a nautical standpoint, it’s fun to see the big ships come through,” he says.
Additionally, boaters should make sure they have an approved floatation device for everyone on board.
Also, keep an eye out for crews from the PCB cleanup project on the Fox River.
