Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for Port of Charleston

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 Port of Charleston

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CHARLESTON, S.C.  — Effective 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition Yankee due to the expected arrival of gale force winds of 39 mph from Hurricane Dorian within 24 hours. 

The Port of Charleston is closed to all commercial vessel movements and cargo operations unless specifically authorized by the COTP.

Port condition Zulu will be set when sustained gale force winds are expected within 12 hours.

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

Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and internet. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. It is critical that vessels intending to transit the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway depart early to avoid being blocked by bridges. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. For information on Hurricane Dorian’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

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 tropical storms or hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.

Reduced Search and Rescue Capabilities. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions approach the area.  This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories. 

Don't rely on social media. Those in distress should use 911 to request assistance. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.

Secure belongings. 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, lifejackets 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.

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-USCG-