Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay prepares for severe weather

PHILADELPHIA- Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay personnel are preparing Wednesday for forecasted high winds and heavy seas here.

Port partners, local and state agencies have been contacted and informed of the impending weather conditions. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., has conducted two search and rescue patrols along the coast from New Jersey to South Carolina transmitting Safety Marine Information Broadcasts to notify mariners.

Coast Guard aircraft and crews have been moved to safe and secure locations to ensure rapid response when needed. Small boats have been secured and cutters placed on stand-by and are ready to respond. Units remain operational and continue to monitor hailing and distress radio frequencies.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to always:

* Stay Informed - The public should be aware of weather conditions and monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF channel 16.

* Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.

* Wear their life jackets while on the water.

* File a float plan with friends, family members and their local marina before heading out. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, their destination and expected time of return.

* Always have a working radio onboard their vessel as cell phone coverage varies from region to region.

* Carry marine flares aboard their vessel to signal rescuers while in distress and emergency situations.

* Keep a Global Positioning System or Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon so that they may be easier to locate in the event of distress.

* Secure your belongings - Owners of recreational boats are urged to take appropriate precautions to prevent damage to their boats and others.

For maritime emergencies contact Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia at (215) 271-4807.

Marine Safety Information Broadcasts can be found at Homeport.uscg.mil by clicking here.

Weather information is available through the National Weather Service at www.NWS.noaa.gov

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Port commences Operation Patriot’s Watch

PHILADELPHIA - The Coast Guard is scheduled to begin Operation Patriot’s Watch Wednesday, Sept. 10 through Sept.12 to establish a high-visibility Coast Guard presence in the port of Sector Delaware Bay and surrounding communities during the anniversary of 9/11.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay and surrounding units such as all small boats stations, the Coast Guard Cutter Cleat and the Coast Guard Cutter Finback, Sector Marine All-Hazards Response Team, Sector Facilities and Container Branch, Air Station Atlantic City and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Sector Delaware Bay’s area of responsibility will be participating in the operation. The operation includes heightening security by making more patrols for units in their area.

During Operation Patriot’s Watch, the Coast Guard will educate the maritime public on the America’s Waterways Watch Program, enforce all federal and state regulations to make the port and surrounding communities a safe place for maritime commerce and recreation. Lastly, stand a vigilant watch over America’s ports during this important time.

“Operation Patriot’s Watch pays tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11,” said Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Bordeaux, a spokesperson for Sector Delaware Bay.

For more information on America’s Waterway Watch Program please click here.

Coast Guard sets hurricane condition Whiskey for Port of Delaware Bay

PHILADELPHIA - In preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna, the Coast Guard has set port condition Whiskey for the Captain of the Port zone of Delaware Bay. This area includes the Delaware River and Bay, the coast of Delaware and portions of the coast of New Jersey, all adjacent navigable waters in the states of Delaware, portions of New Jersey and the eastern coast of Pennsylvania including the Intercoastal Waterway.

Maritime hurricane condition Whiskey is a heightened condition of readiness to indicate 72 hours prior to arrival of gale force winds and anticipated landfall associated with Tropical Storm Hanna.

Whiskey condition port status: open to all commercial traffic.

Maritime hurricane conditions are storm classifications to indicate the speed of approach prior to landfall. Conditions are, in part, based on predictions by the National Weather Service and imply the time interval remaining before the hurricane force winds are possible in the zone.

Conditions and specific requirements will be provided to the port via the Maritime exchange and Broadcast Notice to Mariners. Once requirements for a condition are complete, preparations should be made to attain the next higher condition if the situation warrants it.

Maritime hurricane condition X-Ray is a hurricane watch condition of readiness to indicate 48 hours prior to arrival of gales force winds and anticipated landfall associated with Tropical Storm Hanna.

X-Ray condition port status: open to all commercial traffic.

Maritime hurricane condition Yankee is a hurricane warning condition of readiness to indicate 24 hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds and anticipated landfall associated with Tropical Storm Hanna.

Yankee condition port status: vessel traffic controlled measurements in effect.

Maritime hurricane condition Zulu is a danger condition to indicate 12 hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds and anticipated landfall associated with Tropical Storm Hanna.

Zulu condition port status: Closed to all vessel traffic except for vessel movement and activities specifically authorized by the Captain Of The Port.

As Tropical Storm Hanna approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to be mindful of the following safety tips:

- Stay Informed: The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hanna through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF channel 16.

- Evacuate as Necessary: If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed evacuation orders. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.

- Secure your Belongings: Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable 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 secure life rings, life jackets and small boats.

- Be Cautious of Hazardous Materials: If you have hazardous materials on or near the water you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure them prior to any foul weather.

- Stay Clear of Beaches: Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by Hanna. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.

Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater, and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

When in doubt or in case of an emergency the public is encouraged to contact Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay’s 24 hour emergency response number at: (215) 271-4940.

For further information regarding Tropical Storm Hanna visit www.hanna.uscgstormwatch.com and http://www.noaa.gov/

Coast Guard responds to sunken tugboatsin Schuylkill River, PA

PHILADELPHIA - The Coast Guard is responding today to two derelict tugboats that sank and are leaking oil in the Schuylkill River here.

Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay along with other local and state agencies are responding as a result of the two sunken tugboats, the Carol Wales and another unidentified tugboat.

The two tugboats were tied to the pier at the edge of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of the Girard Point Bridge when they sank.

Contractors are on scene and have contained the site of the spill.

The Coast Guard has established a safety zone in the area and urges mariners to use caution when transiting the river.

There has been no reported impact to wildlife.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

Coast Guard rescues 3 near Little Egg Harbor, N.J.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The Coast Guard rescued three people today aboard a disabled 20-foot boat near Little Egg Harbor, N.J.

The Coast Guard received a call at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday from a crewmember aboard the boat, stating they had run out of gas.

A rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, N.J., arrived on scene and towed the boat and its crew to Beach Haven Yacht Club.

“Boaters are always encouraged to be prepared when they go out on their boat,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Trista Fisher, a search and rescue coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia. “This includes ensuring they have proper safety and communications equipment and enough fuel to reach their destination safely.”

Coast Guard Rescues Two From Sinking Boat South of Fire Island

NEW YORK (CG Public Affairs) - Two people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their vessel sank 17 miles south of Fire Island, N.Y., around 10:00 a.m. today.

The two men were airlifted to Coast Guard Station Fire Island after being spotted by a Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod that was diverted from patrol to assist in the case.

The owner of the vessel Canyon Bound, homeported in Jones Beach, N.Y., activated their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) after their vessel began taking on water. The crew of the sinking vessel also issued a mayday via channel 16 marine band radio that was picked up by Coast Guard Sectors New York, Long Island Sound and Delaware Bay.

Sectors Long Island Sound and Delaware Bay were able to confirm the vessel’s position using a method called line of bearing, a process which uses a direction finder from two fixed points on land to create a crosshair over the last known position of an object out at sea. Both sectors Long Island Sound and Delaware Bay had intersecting lines at the position of the sinking vessel.

“This case is a great example of how well the Search and Rescue (SAR) system works when all facets work together,” said Capt. Dan Ronan, the Sector Long Island Sound commander. “An alert mariner initiated the SAR system by broadcasting a mayday call and then energizing his satellite emergency locator beacon. Our SAR Specialists utilized our new Rescue 21 radio response system to identify two lines of bearing from our radio towers and used them to accurately plot the location of the mariners in distress. We diverted a Coast Guard helicopter training in Long Island Sound and two rescue boats from Station Fire Island immediately upon getting the initial radio call.”

A Coast Guard 47-foot rescue boat crew and a 25-foot rescue boat crew from Station Fire Island was also launched and assisted in the case. An HU-25 Falcon from Air Station Cape Cod was also launched.

Both men were wearing lifejackets at the time of the incident and there are no reports of pollution or injury.

Weather on scene was reported at five mile per hour winds and two to three foot seas.

Coast Guard gala commemorates 20 years in Philadelphia

by Petty Officer 3rd Class Crystalynn A. Kneen

Philadelphia (CG Public Affairs) - The smell of gun powder from a 150-year-old artillery cannon lingered, as a thick, gray blanket of smoked filled the air. The sound of bagpipes echoed throughout the courtyard, as family, friends and guests of the crew of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay joined together to celebrate the unit’s 20-year heritage in the city of Philadelphia.

“This celebration marks the 20th anniversary of a partnership between the Coast Guard and the city of Philadelphia.” said David Scott, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “We are here to recognize how important our port community is to this region and the economy.”

The celebration began with a ceremony consisting of an array of guest speakers who expressed their gratitude to Scott and his crew for their partnership to the city.

Historical touches such as a fife and drum player performed the National Anthem during the posting of the colors.

Afterward, Lt. Tim Marriott displayed his own heritage to the crowd by playing Semper Paratus, the Coast Guard’s anthem, on bagpipes as the ceremony came to a close
Immediately following the ceremony, guests had the chance to travel back to the Civil War era as the Tidewater Maritime Living History Association setup a display consisting of Civil War artifacts. Throughout the day, the guests could hear a thunderous rattling as a cloud of smoke filled the air when the association fired a Revolutionary War era artillery cannon.

“It was a great experience to help and be a part of what took place today,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Shavack, a member of the sector who helped fire the cannon. “I gave back to what the men and women before me gave, I learned a lot. I was proud.”

Children’s eyes sparkled with interest and excitement with a visit from Coastie the talking tug boat and the Philly Phanatic, the mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies, as they danced around the courtyard.

The event closed with a morale volleyball game and a barbecue feast for the crew and guests.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate partnership, pride and history with the city of Philadelphia,” said Capt. Theodore Harrop, the executive officer of Sector Delaware Bay. “This is a lot of extra work for the crew, but it helps them appreciate the heritage and pride as a unit. I think the city also appreciates the crew and what we do.”

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay to hold 20th anniversary Gala

PHILADELPHIA - Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay here is scheduled to hold their 20th anniversary celebration Friday, June 13 at 9 a.m.

The event marks 20 years since the establishment of a unified Coast Guard command in Philadelphia. The Sector facilities house over 300 personnel to include detachments of the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Philadelphia Marine Police.

A formal ceremony marking the anniversary will begin at 9 a.m. The ceremony will include remarks from Capt. David Scott, the sector commanding officer, as well as elected officials and maritime industry representatives. There will be a media availability at the conclusion of the formal ceremony at 10 a.m.

Sector Delaware Bay, although located in Philadelphia, has an area of responsibility that includes the eastern two-thirds of Pennsylvania, the state of New Jersey south of Long Branch, and the state of Delaware. In this area of responsibility Sector Delaware Bay carries out five critical missions; National Defense, Maritime Security, Protection of Natural Resources, Maritime Safety, and Maritime Mobility. This ceremony will celebrate the partnerships established between the Coast Guard and maritime stakeholders that began more than 200 years ago.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay is located at 1 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19147.