FWC and Coast Guard continue pollution removal operations in Panama City, Fla.

News Release

December 5, 2018 U.S. Coast Guard Hurricane Michael Response Contact: ESF-10 Unified Command Joint Information Center 850-622-3967

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Coast Guard Continue Pollution Removal Operations in Panama City, Fla.

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PANAMA CITY, FLA --  The Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF-10) Unified Command continues to make progress in its mission to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Michael within Panama City and surrounding areas.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Coast Guard and salvaging contractors have assisted in the assessment of displaced vessels for hazardous materials since the initial landfall of the hurricane.  Of those vessels, 132 have been mitigated by the ESF-10 mission.  ESF-10 estimates 78% of the operation is complete, based off continuous waterway assessments made by Unified Command personnel. 

Additionally, the Coast Guard and FWC continue to monitor and validate actions taken by owners and insurance companies to mitigate the pollution threat to Florida's sensitive ecosystem and waterways.

For inquiries of a general nature toward boats affected by Hurricane Michael, calls should be directed to the North West Regional Communication Center at (850) 245-7716.  If vessel owners have located their vessel and have a specific plan to salvage the vessel, calls should be directed to (850) 488-5600, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

-USCG-