SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Sector San Juan Captain of the Port, Capt. Eduardo Pino, has set Port Condition X-RAY at 10 a.m. Sunday for all the ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Hurricane Earl may arrive within 48 hours.
During Port Condition X-RAY, all maritime operations including waterfront facility and vessel transits may occur until further notice and are subject to prudent seamanship and safe working practices.
The Captain of the Port anticipates setting Port Condition YANKEE at 10 p.m. Sunday for all ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico, including, Vieques, Culebra, Fajardo, Yabucoa and San Juan, as long as the storm track for Hurricane Earl remains as forecasted. All other ports in Puerto Rico will remain at Port Condition X-RAY until further notice.
“WARNING”
During Port Condition X-RAY waterfront facilities should be removing potential flying debris, hazardous materials and pollutants from dockside areas. All oceangoing vessels greater than 200 gross tons should make preparations to leave the port at this time or have received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port. Vessels unable to depart the port must contact the Captain of the Port and submit a safe mooring plan in writing when requesting and prior to receiving permission to remain in port.
[amazon-product]1400008654[/amazon-product]Inbound vessels that will be unable to depart the port upon the setting of Port Condition YANKEE are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Ports, facilities and operators should anticipate additional restrictions on inbound and outbound traffic as Hurricane Earl approaches.
Mariners should prepare for impending severe weather prior to the anticipated arrival of gale force winds or when an evacuation is in progress.
Owners and operators of recreational vessels should follow small craft advisories from the National Weather Service and take the necessary measures to safeguard the safety of their vessels.
Pleasure craft operators are advised to seek safe harbor. 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 sustaining damage. 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 secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure they are not actually people in distress
Future port conditions cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, but provided the storm remains on the projected course and track, port stakeholders can expect the established progression of port conditions.
