Coast Guard surveys damage after Northeast storm

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/31/2017 01:44 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Oct. 31, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast
Contact: 1st District Public Affairs
Office: (617) 223-8515
After Hours: (617) 717-9609

Coast Guard surveys damage after Northeast storm

The sailing vessel Carina sits on rocks after being washed ashore near Apponagansett Bay, Massachusetts, after a powerful storm hit the Northeast, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. The sailing vessel Chance sits on rocks after being washed ashore near Apponagansett Bay, Massachusetts, after a powerful storm hit the Northeast, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. 


Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

BOSTON — Coast Guard crews from Maine to Rhode Island are surveying damage caused by a powerful storm that hit the Northeast region Sunday night and lasted into Monday morning.

Coast Guard crews have identified more than 50 vessels torn from their moorings. Many were unmanned and adrift while others were washed up on shore. 

Coast Guard pollution response teams have assessed these the boats and have not found any significant pollution.

The vessels vary in size and type, from large sailboats and recreational motorboats, to smaller craft such as dinghies and kayaks.

Many of the boat owners have been identified and have contracted commercial salvage companies to recover their vessels. Other small craft remain unaccounted for. 

All boaters and those living along coastal communities are urged to secure small craft and paddle craft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, as weather can change quickly and often wash small craft out to sea. If drifting and unmanned, they could set off unnecessary searches and tie-up vital search and rescue resources.

-USCG-