Coast Guard reminds boaters to stay safe on the Columbia River

SEATTLE - Coast Guard Sector Portland, Ore., reminds boaters to stay safe with the improving weather and subsequent increase in boating traffic while transiting the Columbia River.

There is an ongoing pollution removal on the vessel ex-USS Washtenaw County LST-116 on river mile marker 64 near Lord Island, Ore., west of Rainier, Ore.

Armed security continues to patrol the area near the ex-LST-116 to prevent trespassing and ensure the safety of the public from exposure to the hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint currently onboard the vessel.