Please select your home edition
Edition
Switch One Design

Coast Guard asks public to help find stolen buoy bells off Maine's coast

by U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast 1 Jun 2018 06:02 PDT

The Coast Guard is asking the public for information on the theft of brass sound signaling devices stolen from buoys off Maine's coast over the previous six months.

The brass gongs and bells were attached to buoys to help mariners navigate safely during times of reduced visibility. They play a vital role in the safe passage of ships and mariners.

It is thought the high-dollar devices are being stolen and sold to nautical novelty shops or scrap metal yards. Federal officials are working closely with local law enforcement, shops, and scrap yards to identify perpetrators and reclaim the missing property.

Tampering with aids to navigation is a federal offense and can lead to fines up to $25,000 per day or up to one year in prison. Anyone with information leading to a conviction are eligible to receive up to one half of the fine imposed.

"These thefts not only reduce the reliability of our aids to navigation system and put lives at risk, but they also create a burden and expense to the tax payer for the buoy tenders and crews responsible for maintaining the aids," said Lt. Matthew Odom, Sector Northern New England's waterways management division chief.

Anyone with information regarding the missing sound signaling devices are urged to contact the Sector Northern New England command center at 207-767-0303.

Related Articles

Tall Ship Eagle sailing to Portland, ME
"America's Tall Ship" will be visiting Portland for the Maine Bicentennial The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle (WIX-327), "America's Tall Ship," will be visiting Portland, ME for the Maine Bicentennial with cadets and crew as part of its summer training program. Posted on 5 Aug 2021
USCGC Eagle to arrive in New London, Connecticut
America's Tall Ship is scheduled to arrive in New London on Friday The USCGC Eagle (WIX 327), "America's Tall Ship," is scheduled to arrive in New London on Friday. Eagle will moor at City Pier from July 30 - Aug. 1 and will be open for free public tours at certain times. Posted on 29 Jul 2021
USCG provides humanitarian assistance to Honduras
Coast Guard Helicopter provided humanitarian assistance to Honduran villages after Hurricane Eta A Coast Guard Helicopter Tactical Squadron (HITRON) MH-65 Dolphin aircrew forward deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC-906) provided humanitarian assistance, Friday, to Honduran villages after Hurricane Eta impacted the country. Posted on 17 Nov 2020
Coast Guard cuts ribbon on new command center
South Portland, Maine 24-hour command center officially opened Coast Guard Sector Northern New England officially opened a new 24-hour command center Wednesday in South Portland, Maine. Posted on 21 Feb 2019
Coast Guard Foundation announces $600,000 donation
To families affected by the government shutdown The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that it has distributed over $600,000 to families impacted by the partial government shutdown Posted on 14 Feb 2019
Coast Guard receives recognition
From Rhode Island Lt. Gov. in honor of Coast Guard Auxiliary Day Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Dan McKee presented plaques to the Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England Deputy Commander today, at the State Capitol building in recognition of Coast Guard Auxiliary Day. Posted on 5 Sep 2018
Coast Guard aircraft honor, fly over VOR Village
Fly over Volvo Ocean Race Village in Newport, RI A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter fly over the Volvo Ocean Race Village as part of the opening of the village Tuesday, May 8, 2018, near Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. Posted on 10 May 2018
Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px_SY BOTTOMCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTER