Coast Guard introduces new signal system to warn boats - Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

Coast Guard introduces new signal system to warn boats

Posted: Updated:
A 12-gauge military shotgun loaded with LA51 signal and warning shells. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PO3 Angela Henderson) A 12-gauge military shotgun loaded with LA51 signal and warning shells. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PO3 Angela Henderson)
LA51 signal and warning shells. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PO3 Angela Henderson) LA51 signal and warning shells. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by PO3 Angela Henderson)
MYFOXNY.COM -

The U.S. Coast Guard will be using a nonlethal shotgun signaling system to warn boaters in the Long Island Sound and other waters off New England.

The signal, called the LA51, is a special shell fired from a standard 12-gauge military shotgun that produces a flash and a bang. The flash and noise are more prominent than a splash in the water caused by the M-16 tracer round, the Coast Guard said.

"The new LA51 warning device is designed to warn boaters in a safe and effective manner if they do not respond to calls on the marine radio from the Coast Guard or comply with our instructions in case of a security violation," said Capt. Verne Gifford, commander of Coast Guard Southeastern New England. "

The Coast Guard has been using the signal system in anti-drug trafficking mission and migrant interception operations, officials said.

Captain Gifford said crews have now been trained to use the system during security zone enforcement and other port and coastal security missions. Crews will be allowed to use it to warn wayward boaters in approved locations.

Testing has showed that the LA51 system has a low risk of injuring someone, the military said.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Sunday, May 26 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:01:47 GMT
    Suffolk County police arrested a man who was driving drunk with his daughter in the car after he caused a three-car crash on Long Island Friday afternoon.
    Suffolk County police arrested a man who was driving drunk with his daughter in the car after he caused a three-car crash on Long Island Friday afternoon.
  • Sunday, May 26 2013 12:00 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:00:59 GMT
    While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
    While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
  • Saturday, May 25 2013 10:52 PM EDT2013-05-26 02:52:40 GMT
    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated the cadets at West Point's commencement ceremony Saturday, but warned them they have a tough road ahead. He praised how far the military has come
    Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated the cadets at West Point's commencement ceremony Saturday, but warned them they have a tough road ahead. He praised how far the military has come
Powered by WorldNow

KDFW FOX 4
400 N. Griffin Street
Dallas, Texas 75202

Main Station Directory:
(214) 720-4444
News Fax:
(214) 720-3263 or (214) 720-3333

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices