Coast Guard to close Port of Virginia Monday

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/13/2017 08:41 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

March 13, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712

Coast Guard to close Port of Virginia Monday

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard captain of the port is scheduled to close the Port of Virginia Monday at 9 p.m. in anticipation of high winds.

All vessels will be prohibited from entering or departing Chesapeake Bay. Vessels at 5,000 gross tons or greater will be prohibited from moving within the bay unless permission is granted by the captain of the port.

The forecasted winds in the area of up to 50 knots are likely to create particularly hazardous conditions on shore and on the water. Due to the forecasted conditions, it may difficult for Coast Guard units to get underway to assist distressed mariners.

“There is a real danger to all vessels on the water," said Capt. Rick Wester, the captain of the port. "The combination of very strong winds, cold temperatures, rough seas and poor visibility all make for a very hazardous conditions, and I strongly recommend that mariners stay in port."

 

-USCG-