SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan set Port Condition X-RAY at 3p.m. Sunday for all the ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico due to incoming Tropical Storm Gonzalo.
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 San Juan anticipates increasing and setting Port Condition YANKEE at midnight for the ports in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. All other ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will remain at Port Condition X-RAY until further notice.
Inbound vessels that will be unable to depart upon the Coast Guard setting Port Condition YANKEE at their port of arrival, are advised to seek an alternate destination. Container terminal operators shall reduce container stack heights to no more than three high, or propose alternate securing arrangements to the Captain of the Port. The Captain of the Port may require additional precautions to ensure the safety of the ports and waterways.
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 and precluded from assisting people who may actually be in distress.
Waterfront facilities should be removing potential flying debris, hazardous materials and pollutants from dockside areas.
“WARNING”
Ports, facilities and operators should anticipate additional restrictions on inbound and outbound traffic as Tropical Storm Gonzalo 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,http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
