Coast Guard Establishes Temporary Safety Zone in Charleston Harbor for SS WRIGHT Tow

You might care about this because the Coast Guard is creating a temporary safety zone in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. This zone will be active for a specific period on July 15, 2026. Its purpose is to protect people, boats, and the marine environment during the movement of a ship called the SS WRIGHT. The SS WRIGHT will be towed from the Charleston Harbor Entrance Channel to Detyens Shipyard on the Cooper River. Because the SS WRIGHT cannot move under its own power, it is considered a 'dead ship.' This makes its movement risky to other marine traffic. The safety zone will extend 100 yards around the SS WRIGHT and any towing vessels. No one is allowed to enter this zone unless they have special permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector Charleston. The Coast Guard decided to put this rule in place quickly due to the immediate safety need. This ensures a safe passage for the unpowered vessel and prevents potential accidents in the busy waterway. What makes this rule interesting is the immediate need for action. The SS WRIGHT is being moved as a 'dead ship tow.' This means it does not have its own power and cannot steer itself. This situation presents a higher risk for other boats in the area. The Coast Guard is not usually allowed to create rules without asking for public input first. However, they found that there was not enough time to get comments from the public before the ship needed to be moved. They quickly put this temporary safety zone in place to prevent any accidents. This shows how seriously the Coast Guard takes immediate safety concerns on the water. The rule is only for a few hours on one day, showing it is a targeted response to a specific event. This quick action is important to protect everyone on the water. People who would be most interested in this legal document include recreational boaters who use Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Commercial shipping companies and their crews operating in the area also need to know about this rule. Anyone involved with maritime transportation or port operations in Charleston will find this information relevant. Local residents who live near the harbor and might be curious about vessel movements will also want to know. Environmental groups might be interested in how the Coast Guard handles safety for large vessel movements. This rule is particularly important for anyone planning to be on the water around Charleston Harbor on July 15, 2026. It directly impacts their ability to navigate certain areas during that time.