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Press Release | Sept. 23, 2023

Coast Guard reopens the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina, and continues post-storm assessment following Tropical Storm Ophelia

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The captain of the port for North Carolina reopened the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina, Saturday, as Coast Guard crews continue to assess maritime impacts following Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Vessels and facilities within these ports, which accommodate the movement of more than 4 million tons of cargo annually, may resume normal operations.

Marine safety inspectors continue to conduct harbor patrols to ensure there are no environmental concerns to the waterways. No sheening has been reported as a result of Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Mariners are advised to stay diligent and navigate North Carolina waterways with caution due to increased debris associated with the effects of Tropical Storm Ophelia. The storm may have caused navigational aids to be unreliable.

Additionally, Coast Guard Air Station crews are conducting overflights to assess potential damage caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Coast Guard Aids to Navigation teams are working to assess any affected navigational aids. To report any potential navigation hazards, please contact the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center at 910-343-3880.

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