SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Captain of the Port San Juan established a Safety Zone for the entrance to San Juan Harbor Monday due to heavy surf along the north coast of Puerto Rico.
The safety zone covers all navigable waters within the port of San Juan and out three nautical miles to the pilot boarding area at approximate position 18° 31’12”N 066° 07’48”W. The safety zone will be enforced for the duration of the significant surf conditions from 5p.m. Monday to 6p.m. Wednesday.
No vessels may enter or depart the port of San Juan without the permission of the Captain of the Port. Out of the eight vessels delayed Tuesday, one departed to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and two are still awaiting entry approval.
“Swimmers and recreational boaters should avoid the ocean until this severe weather passes,” said Capt. Joanna Nunan, Acting Sector San Juan commander and Captain of the Port. “Along with the pilots, we’re keeping a close eye on the large breakers and wind at the entrance to San Juan Harbour to ensure the people and vessels coming in and out of the port remain safe.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting extremely dangerous surf conditions with very large swells in excess of 20-feet along the north coast of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Vessel and facility operators should monitor this situation and take appropriate action to minimize the risks associated with these predicted conditions.
