By Donita Naylor
NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. -- Coast Guard Station Block Island opened Friday for the summer boating season, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced in a news release Friday.
Station Block Island, under the parent command of Station Point Judith in Narragansett, will have a boat and crew ready to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
The station will cover Rhode Island Sound, Block Island Sound and offshore waters up to 50 miles south of Rhode Island. During the winter, the low mariner traffic is handled by Coast Guard Station Point Judith.
To report maritime emergencies within Block Island Sound, use VHF-FM radio channel 16 or call (508) 457-3211.