The closure on the ship channel started on September 12, after Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received notification that about 11 individuals were suspended from the Fred Hartman Bridge.
A US Coast Guard Station Houston 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew, a US Coast Guard Station Galveston 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew and the crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark were launched to the scene.
Our partnerships with federal, state and local agencies as well as stakeholders allows us to quickly respond to any maritime safety concerns and mitigate impact to the waterway. The work of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office greatly supported the Coast Guard’s efforts to reopen the waterway to vessel traffic
noted Capt. Richard Howes, Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston deputy commander.
The protesters started at 6:30AM central time, and until now 15 of them have been taken into police custody, while arrests are ongoing.
They claimed that they intended to remain in place for 24 hours, preventing the transport of all oil and gas through the channel.
At 11am local time, the channel was closed to all traffic passing the Fred Hartman bridge, but shifting in the upper channel and traffic below the bridge was open. The US Coast Guard was also on the scene trying to clear the area.
