Update 6: Coast Guard continues response efforts in Bahamas due to Hurricane Dorian

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

Update 6: Coast Guard continues response efforts in Bahamas due to Hurricane Dorian

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

As of Friday at 9 a.m.: 

• Coast Guard crews have rescued 205 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 five MH-65 Dolphin helicopters are conducting search and rescue missions, area assessments and providing logistical support. 
• 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. 
• Eight Coast Guard cutters are staged near the Bahamas ready to engage in Hurricane Dorian response efforts.

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 a high risk of debris in the water, sunken vessels,  and destroyed or missing aids to navigation and pier facilities. There is also a 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 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-