UPDATE 6: Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/23/2017 12:27 PM EDT
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MIAMI — Cleanup efforts of displaced vessels are progressing throughout Florida waterways six weeks after Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys.
Nearly 230 people from state and federal agencies are involved in the disaster response.
The Unified Command for the response—officially titled Emergency Support Function 10 Florida—consists of leaders from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
As the focus of the response is on safety of human life and environmental protection, vessel owners are encouraged to hire a professional salvage company in order to provide the safest method possible.
“Owners of displaced vessels are urged to wear closed-toe shoes and a life jacket if they’re considering going aboard to retrieve personal belongings,” said Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson, Coast Guard Incident Commander for ESF10 Florida. “It is also advised to have a safety observer present.”
Responders are prioritizing the removal of vessels based on environmental impact.
“We deploy trained Natural Resource Advisors to monitor operations in sensitive habitats or near wildlife that is threatened or endangered,” said Timyn Rice, the Environmental Unit Leader for ESF10 Florida. "We've consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, FWC, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to establish best management practices to avoid environmental impacts during removal operations."
Operators with the Vessel Removal Hotline can be reached at 305-985-3744.
These updated figures represent a combination of displaced vessels removed from the water by ESF10 Florida and private owners. These numbers are subject to fluctuate as more owners salvage their vessels.
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.
Members of the media interested in additional information are asked to contact the Joint Information Center at 305-985-2867.