We transited south on the western channel of the East RIver on 9/18/2022, unaware that the United Nations was preparing to have their 77th General Assembly. New Yorkers have been warned about unannounced street closures for “hundreds” of motorcades.

In addition, about 10 minutes after we passed the UN building, we heard on VHF 16 that the US Coast Guard had closed the western channel and was directing vessels to the eastern channel, which has two bridges that must be signaled to request an opening. From then on, it was mayhem on VHF 16, with USCG redirecting boaters to the bridge operators, and boaters coming back saying their masts were too high.

We saw multiple fast security boats armed with machine guns, blue lights and sirens ready to intercept anything from jet skis on up. Even the Staten Island Ferry had flanking security boats (it doesn’t go past the UN building, stopping about 40 blocks south at the ferry terminal)! Curiously, the fast ferry vessels used to transport people were allowed through without escort. Vessels that would not fit down the eastern channel were ordered to muster all persons on deck for inspection.

“During the week of the UN General Assembly, especially on the days of high-level meetings attended by world leaders, within the framework of the extraordinary security measures taken, the East River will be completely closed to floating vehicle traffic between the Queensboro Bridge on 59th Street in the north and 35th Street in the south.

In normal times, vehicles moving on the East River are asked to pass 150 meters (0.09 miles) off the shore of the UN building. While permission must be obtained from the coast guard units to enter this area, those who violate this regulation can face a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment.”

The UN meetings will continue through 26 Sept 2022.