Sandy Aftermath Update: Ports/Waterways Reopen, But Storm Leaves Destruction in Its Wake

Stand Down from Maritime Port Condition ZULU

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has authorized the Port of Long Island Sound to resume operations as of 4 p.m., yesterday.

Port Condition YANKEE set for Port of NY and NJ, vessel movement limited

The COTP is working closely with the port industry, NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers, and Connecticut and New York state agencies to minimize risk as the port returns to normalcy.

Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting throughout the port due to the possibility of shoaling and debris. Be aware aids to navigation may be off station and/or displaying improper characteristics and should be considered unreliable. Report all damaged or inoperable aids to navigation to Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound at (203)468-4401.

The Coast Guard is strongly advising recreational boaters and commercial traffic to carefully consider any voyage on the Long Island Sound, including local rivers and inlets. If boaters must be on the rivers, they are urged to exercise extreme caution and transit the area at minimum safe speed and be prepared for extensive delays caused by floating debris and unreliable aids to navigation. Boaters are particularly encouraged to limit transit on the rivers to daylight hours. Boaters should also be aware that some marinas may not be fully operational due to significant power outages, so plan your fuel supply accordingly. Even areas where vessel operators might normally find a suitable location to anchor could be unsafe due to accumulated debris, underwater obstacles and heavy currents due to flooding conditions.

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Cape and Southern MA Ports Reopen after Hurricane Sandy

Subsequent to the passing of Hurricane Sandy, all waterways within Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, with the exception of Pt. Judith and Block Island, have been opened by the Captain of the Port.

The ports of Pt. Judith and Block Island, R.I., remain closed to vessel traffic until the Coast Guard completes surveys and assessments of those waterways. Changes to the status of these waterways will be announced via subsequent Marine Safety Information Bulletins and news releases.

Ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket has been re-established.

Mariners are advised, however, to use extra caution when navigating waterways just after a major storm such as Hurricane Sandy. Due to high winds and associated flooding and strong currents, floating aids to navigation may be extinguished, off-station, missing, or otherwise not operating properly. Buoys may be partially submerged and/or misleading as to day beacon, color characteristics and numerical marking. Sound signals on aids may be inoperative. Fixed aids to navigation may be destroyed. Large debris in abundance may be present in the waterways.

As always, any vessel casualties, pollution, or any incidents that may affect navigable waterways should be reported to Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England command center via VHF channels 16 or 22, or via phone at (508) 457-3211.

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Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City Aircrew Saves 3, Assesses Hurricane Damage

The Coast Guard rescued three people from their homes in New York Boroughs due to being trapped from the extreme high tides caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Coast Guard MH-65T Dolphine helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City responded to multiple requests to rescue people who were trapped in their homes that were surrounded by flood waters.

The aircrew also assisted New York Police Marine units with nine people in distress.

The three people rescued were taken to area hospitals on Staten Island, N.Y.