Update 5: Coast Guard continues response efforts in Bahamas due to Hurricane Dorian

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 09/05/2019 06:39 PM EDT

united states coast guard

News Release  

Tropical Storm Dorian JIC
Contact: Tropical Storm Dorian JIC
Office: 305-209-9256
E-mail: tropicalstormdorian@gmail.com
7th District online newsroom

Update 5: Coast Guard continues response efforts in Bahamas due to Hurricane Dorian

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew evacuates displaced adults and children to safety in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, Sept. 5, 2019. An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry crew transported the survivors from Marsh Harbour to Nassau. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Medley. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew medevaced 10 people from Marsh Harbour to Nassau, Bahamas, Sept. 5, 2019. In coordination with the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force who are leading the search and rescue efforts, the Coast Guard continues to conduct search and rescue operations after Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane, devastated the Bahamas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Medley). A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew medevaced 10 people from Marsh Harbour to Nassau, Bahamas, Sept. 5, 2019. In coordination with the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force who are leading the search and rescue efforts, the Coast Guard continues to conduct search and rescue operations after Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane, devastated the Bahamas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Medley).

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MIAMI — Coast Guard Hurricane Dorian response operations continue in support of the Bahamas. 

As of Thursday at 4 p.m.: 

  • Coast Guard crews from across the Coast Guard have rescued 201 people in the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian began.
  • The Coast Guard is conducting air operations based out of Andros Island, Bahamas. Seven MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and four MH-65 Dolphin helicopters are conducting search and rescue missions, area assessments and providing logistical support. 
  • Port Condition Zulu is in effect for the ports of Jacksonville, Fernandina, Florida.
  • Port Condition Zulu is in effect for the Port of Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia. 
  • Port Condition Zulu is in effect for the Port of Charleston, South Carolina. 
  • The Coast Guard has four cutters posted near the Bahamas ready to engage in Hurricane Dorian response efforts.
  • Several other Coast Guard cutters are en route to provide aid and assistance as needed. 

For their safety, the Coast Guard advises mariners to not attempt voyages into the Northern Bahamas until further notice due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Dorian. The Government of the Bahamas is currently assessing its northern ports and harbors to determine if they are safe to enter.  There is high risk of debris in the water, sunken vessels,  and destroyed or missing aids to navigation and pier facilities. There is also risk of chemical spills and changes to the topography/hydrology in ports and marinas from the prolonged winds and storm surge of the Category 5 hurricane.

The Coast Guard is supporting the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force, who are leading search and rescue efforts in the Bahamas. If you are in a life-threatening situation and need assistance, call 911 or 919 in the Bahamas, or call the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency at 242-325-9983 or the Bahamian Emergency Operations Center at 242-362-3895 or 242-362-3896.

During Port Condition Zulu, no vessels may enter or transit within ports without permission of the COTP. All vessel movements are prohibited, and all ship-to-shore operations must cease.

For private donations to the hurricane response effort, you can contact the The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. Visit www.cidi.org/hurricane-dorian/#.XW_C6k01tnI. You can also contact OFDA by emailing, nemadonations@bahamas.gov.bs or call 242-323-5394, or bahamasredcross.org/donate Government agencies may contact DORIANRMT_DMC@ofda.gov

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-USCG-