News Release |
Sept. 10, 2017 |
Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee in Charleston
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Effective 1 p.m. Sunday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Yankee for the Port of Charleston and all other terminals and facilities due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds generated by Hurricane Irma that may arrive within 24 hours.
These ports and facilities are currently closed commercial traffic and all transfer operations while Yankee remains in effect.
Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 24 hours. Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.
Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the respective COTP to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for the Port of Charleston unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
If and when port condition Zulu is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 12 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the respective COTP.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
Information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane can be found at the Coast Guard's Storm Center webpage.
For information on Hurricane Irma progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.
For media inquiries surrounding Coast Guard Sector Charleston and South Carolina Units, contact Lt. J.B. Zorn, Sector Charleston Public Information Officer, at James.B.Zorn@uscg.mil or (843) 296-5524
For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast.
-USCG-