Sea turtle killed when hit by a speeding boat.
COLE BAY–Nature Foundation encourages boaters in the waters surrounding St. Maarten to observe the rules and regulations, especially marine traffic speeds. A five-mile-per-hour speed limit is in force for all vessels in the bridge channel, fairways and Simpson Bay Lagoon. Anchorage zones and marinas fall under “no wake zones.”
No anchorage is allowed in the fairways. The access fairway from the sea to the bridge channel should always stay open. Inbound traffic should position their vessels alongside the fairway so the outbound traffic has free passage to sea. East of Princess Juliana International Airport, in the extension of the runway in the lagoon, is a no-anchorage area.
The speed limits in Simpson Bay Lagoon and in nearshore areas are in place to also protect wildlife.
In the past few weeks, the Foundation has seen issues pertaining to boats speeding in zones where they should not, causing damage to wildlife. Last week a turtle washed ashore after a boat hit its shell and it was killed.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84683-boat-owners-urged-to-adhere-to-traffic-laws
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