Safety Zone Established West of St. Thomas Airport

The Coast Guard has finalized a rule creating a safety zone in the water directly west of Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The zone covers navigable waters within 400 yards of the shoreline, stretching between two privately managed yellow buoys and the end of the airport runway.

Why it matters: This rule exists to prevent accidents between low-flying aircraft and watercraft. While it sounds technical, it is a straightforward safety measure. Boaters in the immediate area will need to check marine radio broadcasts for active restrictions or contact the COTP to request entry. The Coast Guard estimates the rule will not significantly impact small businesses or commercial operations, as vessels can simply route around the zone.

Who it affects

• Recreational and commercial boaters navigating the waters west of Cyril E. King Airport

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This final rule was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and filed in the Federal Register on May 6, 2026; verify the full regulatory text and contact details in the original document before making operational plans.

Agency: Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard
Source: Federal Register — read the official document