Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for coastal South Carolina

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville Office: 904-714-7606/7607 After Hours: 305-318-1864 PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for coastal South Carolina

 

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – Effective 11 p.m., Wednesday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Yankee for coastal South Carolina due to the expected arrival of sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Hurricane Michael. 

Commercial vessel movements within the port are restricted unless authorized by the COTP.

Pleasure crafts are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges do not operate when 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 Homeport Site.

The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages: 

• Stay off the water.  The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen.  This means help could be delayed.  Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
• Secure belongings.  Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.  Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, life jackets, and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
• Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes.  Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.

People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.

For information on Hurricane Michael’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

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-USCG-