SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan set Port Condition YANKEE at 6 a.m., Tuesday, for U.S. Virgins Islands and Puerto Rico seaports due to Tropical Storm Ernesto, and the possibility of gale force winds (39 mph) arriving within 24 hours.
The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Ernesto continues to approach the islands on its path to Atlantic waters.
Seaports in Port Condition YANKEE are closed to all inbound commercial vessel traffic unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port. Oceangoing vessels greater than 500 gross tons without an approved application to remain shall depart the port at this time.
The Coast Guard anticipates setting Port Condition ZULU at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Ports under Port Condition Zulu are closed to all vessel traffic except unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, while cargo operations are suspended, including bunkering and lightering, however, waivers may be granted unless certain hazardous and dangerous cargo is involved.
Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
The Coast Guard is advising the public of these important safety messages:
Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to 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 remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.
Be informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16. For the most current information on port condition updates in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands visit https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/san-juan.
For the latest forecast advisories and weather updates for Tropical Storm Ernesto, visit the National Hurricane Center website. For hurricane readiness information, check out the resources available in multiple languages at Ready.gov and FEMA’s website.
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