Watch CBS News

Coast Guard Bans Boats From Area Near Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) --  The Coast Guard has banned boats from the area near the base of the Verrazano Bridge where 1,500 live anti-aircraft shells are sitting at the bottom of Gravesend Bay.

WCBS 880'S Alex Silverman reports: Lawmaker Says He Wants To Make Bay Safe For Everyone

Podcast

The shells reportedly fell off a military barge 55 years ago. Assemblyman William Colton says he spoke to someone who was there when that military mishap happened.

"He told me that the barge broke away fully loaded and they couldn't locate it, they couldn't find it until the next morning when they found it in Rockaway Beach turned upside down with all the shells missing," said Colton.

Depending on who you ask, it's the Army or the Navy's responsibility to get the bombs out of the water, but that looks less likely now that the Coast Guard is enforcing a no boating zone.

Either way, Colton says he's glad something is being done. "I'm very happy that action is being taken to safeguard the wellbeing of the people in this area," he said.

 For more information about the safety zone, click here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.