Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay sets modified Port Condition Yankee for Tropical Storm Elsa

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs North D5 Public Affairs North, Baltimore, Md Office: (410) 576-2541 After Hours: (757) 295-8435 D5 Public Affairs North online newsroom

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay sets modified Port Condition Yankee for Tropical Storm Elsa

PHILADELPHIA — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Delaware Bay has set modified Port Condition Yankee throughout the port due to the potential for Tropical Storm Elsa to impact the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware area in the next 24 hours.

Projections indicate the Delaware Bay Captain of the Port Zone will experience high winds, severe thunderstorms, and increased seas, surf and tidal surge. All members of the port community to include vessel owners and operators, vessel agents, pilots, and facility owners and operators are to take adequate precautions and to follow the Port Hurricane Contingency Plan.

• Lightering and bunkering operations may proceed if previously approved by the Captain of the Port on a case-by-case basis.
• All cargo operations utilizing cranes must cease when wind speeds reach 40mph.
• All freight and tank barges are required to have a contingency plan in place in the event of an emergent situation. This should include verification of tug availability.
• All local tug companies should have a list of tugs available for assistance prior to and after hurricane passage.
• For vessel movements contact the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit at (267) 515-7294.

Mariners are advised that based on continued deteriorating weather conditions, the entrance to Delaware Bay may be closed to incoming traffic.

The COTP will broadcast notification using VHF-FM radio in the event any limitations or restrictions are imposed in the COTP Sector Delaware Bay area of responsibility. Additionally this notification will be forwarded to the Maritime Exchange and will be available as requested.

The Coast Guard will provide the best possible advance notification before changing port operational status. Vessel agents are reminded to ensure their ships are provided a copy of the Port Hurricane Contingency Plan which can also be found on Homeport at https://homeport.uscg.mil/DelawareBay.

Please refer to the Homeport website for additional information and checklists. If there are any questions regarding the expectations of the COTP, please contact (215) 271-4807.

For information on Tropical Storm Elsa's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

-USCG-