Those familiar with Damariscove Island know that navigation around the rocky off-shore ledges at the southwest tip, known as The Motions, requires caution. Historically The Motions has been the site of shipwrecks, which eventually led to the construction of the now-decommissioned lifesaving station on the island. Today The Motions continues to be a navigational hazard for all vessels attempting to enter the protected cove. As a beloved boating destination, Damariscove Island is a major attraction that sees thousands of visitors every summer. The Motions gong buoy plays an important role in protecting the safety of all who travel to this popular destination.
This April the US Coast Guard proposed the removal of more than 100 navigational buoys in Maine waters and many others all along the east coast. Unfortunately, one of the buoys marked for removal is The Motions Gong Buoy (TM LLNR: 5410) located at 43.74616° N / 69.61842° W. The Motions buoy is critical for navigational safety for any vessel entering or leaving the harbor at Damariscove Island. In fog, the gong warns mariners of the dangerous rocks which lurk just inches beneath the surface for approximately 3,000 feet between the buoy and the peninsulas framing the harbor entrance.
Every year Boothbay Region Land Trust hires caretakers to help manage and support visitation to our Damariscove Island nature preserve. It is our strong belief based on years of experience and observation that the navigational gong buoy at Damariscove serves an important function for public safety.
The USCG buoy removal program is currently accepting public comments between now and June 13 regarding this planned buoy removal. Please lend your voice to the campaign to protect mariners who rely on this vital waypoint. Boothbay Region Land Trust has written in support of The Motions gong buoy’s continued service and urges members of the public to do the same. Please reach out to the US Coast Guard before June 13 by emailing:
D01-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil
Include the following text in the subject line of your email: Project No. 01-25-015
Emailed comments should specify that you are writing to urge the US Coast Guard to continue active service of The Motions Gong Buoy (TM LLNR: 5410) located at 43.74616° N / 69.61842° W. More information about this process can be found here.
Thank you for taking the time to protect the safety of mariners in our waterways!
