The US Coast Guard informed that the Clay Head buoy number 7 off Block Island was discovered to be sunk. Upon retrieval by the USCG buoy tender Ida Lewis, the buoy was found to have 20 bullet holes and had to be taken out of service for repairs.
This is the second aid discovered with bullet holes within a week. USCG noted that it is a federal crime to damage or destroy an aid to navigation. Such irresponsible action also presents a hazard to vessels relaying upon it.
“Buoy number 7 became a navigational hazard that could have easily been struck by a vessel and seriously injured or killed mariners” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Timothy Chase, the U.S. Coast Guard officer in charge of aids-to-navigation in the vicinity of Block Island.
According to USCG, the maximum penalties upon conviction for damaging an aid to navigation are up to 20 years of imprisonment and as much as $2,500 fine per day for each violation.