UPDATE 5: Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/16/2017 02:30 PM EDT

united states coast guard

Emergency Support Function 10
Florida

Joint Information Center: 
305-985-2867

 

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer marks the hull of a vessel displaced by Hurricane Irma at Boot Key Harbor City Marina in Marathon, Florida, Oct. 11, 2017. Response crews from the Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency are managing vessel removal operations with a priority placed on vessels leaking fuel or hazardous materials. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert. Contractors hoist a vessel displaced by Hurricane Irma at Boot Key Harbor City Marina in Marathon, Florida, Oct. 11, 2017. Response crews from the Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency are managing vessel removal operations with a priority placed on vessels leaking fuel or hazardous materials. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert. Contractors hoist a vessel displaced by Hurricane Irma at Boot Key Harbor City Marina in Marathon, Florida, Oct. 11, 2017. Response crews from the Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency are managing vessel removal operations with a priority placed on vessels leaking fuel or hazardous materials. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert.

MIAMI — The Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF 10) Florida Unified Command continues making progress in its mission to mitigate pollution threats across Florida from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma.

Currently, 858 displaced vessels have been removed from Florida waterways. Many of the removed vessels are the result of vessel owners taking it upon themselves to remove their own boats.  

“Our crews are demonstrating no small amount of dedication in the task of removing displaced vessels,” said Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson, Coast Guard Incident Commander for the Emergency Support Function 10 Florida Response. “The process is made more efficient by proactive citizens who have either removed their vessels or have contacted the Vessel Removal Hotline to assist in our efforts.”

“As we continue to meet our operational objectives, we recognize the contributions of the local Floridians,” said Capt. Derrell Jones, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “We couldn’t be as successful as we have been were it not for vessel owners assisting with the removal process, contributing to our efforts. Our success is their success.”

Operators with the Vessel Removal Hotline can be reached at 305-985-3744.

The process of assessing and removing vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma continues.

The updated figures below represent an approximate number of vessels removed as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Irma. These numbers are subject to fluctuate as more owners salvage their vessels.

(For larger versions, click the thumbnails below)

NOAA chart - Miami - Oct. 15

Miami Branch: 30 personnel

Vessel Removal Status

  • Vessels removed: 19

Current Plans/Operations

  • Response crews are continuing to assess displaced vessels in the Miami area.
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Jacksonville Branch: 21 personnel

Vessel Removal Status

  • Vessels removed: 42

Current Plans/Operations

  • Response crews are overseeing the removal of a 55-foot recreational fishing vessel at Fort George Island Marina in Jacksonville, Florida.
NOAA chart - St. Petersburg - Oct. 15

St. Petersburg Branch: 32 personnel

Vessel Removal Status

  • Vessels removed: 160

Current Plans/Operations

  • 2 vessels being removed in Pinellas County.
  • 3 vessels being removed in Collier County.
  • 2 vessels being removed in Lee County.
  • 1 vessel being removed in Hillsborough County.
NOAA chart - Florida Keys - Oct. 15

Florida Keys Branch: 87 personnel

Vessel Removal Status

  • Vessels removed: 637

Current Plans/Operations

  • Response crews are continuing to assess displaced vessels in the Florida Keys.


The Unified Command consists of U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson serving as Incident Commander, Mr. Benjamin Franco, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Incident Commander and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Capt. Derrell Jones, as State On-Scene Coordinator.

The ESF 10 is the framework by which federal support is coordinated with state agencies in response to actual or potential oil spills or hazardous material releases. Partner agencies, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, are contributing expertise and experience to the assessment and removal efforts.