U.S. Coast Guard joins state, local first responders for boat drills on Tennessee River

The U.S. Coast Guard will work in conjunction with state and local first responders in Tennessee today to conduct boat drills aboard the passenger vessel Star of Knoxville, out on the Tennessee River.

Operations will span periods in the morning and afternoon, in two locales: the Knoxville Waterfront Wharf and on the Tennessee River itself, between mile markers 647 and 649. The Coast Guard, as well as the Tennessee Riverboat, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Fire Department, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and University of Tennessee Theatre Department, will all be participating.

The drills are focused on maritime security readiness, keeping both law enforcement and fire and rescue agencies at their best. Drills will, therefore, include a variety of patrol boat tactics and emergency response procedures, including operations like law enforcement patrol boats displaying flashing lights near the Star of Knoxville.

The police agencies on the scene will be carrying weapons for some of these, complete with simulations of gunfire and the donning of SWAT-style clothing and gear.