PHILADELPHIA – The Coast Guard captain of the port set port condition Yankee at 4 p.m. Sunday for the Port of Philadelphia due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy.
This condition means gale force winds are possible within 24 hours.
Mariners are advised that the entrance to the Delaware Bay may be closed to vessel traffic.
It is primarily the facility operator’s decision to allow vessels to remain moored during the passing of the hurricane. Facilities that do not allow vessels to remain moored must provide them with sufficient notice to allow the vessels time to move to a safe mooring.
Facilities and vessels should communicate with each other regarding vessels’ plans. Facility operators should continue making preparations to ensure all loose cargo, cargo equipment and debris is safely secured. All vessel moorings should be reinforced.
Commercial vessels will not be allowed to anchor in any anchorage upriver from Big Stone Anchorage. Also, vessels shall maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF-FM channel 16.
The Coast Guard is moving assets out of harm’s way in order to be able to respond once the storm passes. As a result, they will have minimal search and rescue capabilities until the storm passes out of the area. As the storm approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to stay off the water and to stay clear of beaches for safety reasons.
“The Coast Guard, in partnership with our other federal, state and local partners, are taking this storm very seriously and preparing as such,” said Capt. Kathy Moore, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia. “We strongly urge the public to do the same. Heed local evacuation orders, and avoid taking unnecessary risks like being on the water before, during or right after the storm’s passing.”
The Coast Guard requests the public listen to weather information available from other sources and not call the Coast Guard for weather information. For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center web site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Boaters can monitor its progress on NOAA weather radio.
Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF-FM radio, and mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site at https://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=40
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website at http://www.ready.gov/ to stay informed and for tips on how to prepare and plan for severe weather.
