Storm forces vessel restrictions at Brunswick port; Tampa reopens

The following is the text of two press releases issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
 
(BRUNSWICK, Ga.) — The captain of the port for Brunswick established port readiness condition Yankee for Brunswick Tuesday at 9 a.m. due to the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Fay.
 
Threatening winds of 39 miles-per-hour from Tropical Storm Fay are possible along the coast within 24 hours.  The port of Brunswick is closed to all inbound vessel traffic immediately.
 
All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons are to make plans for departing the port area. Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the Captain of the Port to receive permission to do so and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing.  All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons that have not received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port must depart by 2 a.m. Thursday, if not sooner.
 
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plan and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
 
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
 
Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters should heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
 
Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm. 
 
Secure belongs.  Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable 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 secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure they are not actually people 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 Tropical Storm Fay.  Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
 
Be prepared. Area residents should 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 Nation Hurricane Center’s webpage.
 
Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Fay 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 information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a tropical storm, please click here.
For information on the progress of Fay and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s web page at the following link – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
 
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(TAMPA, Fla.) — Based on preliminary survey reports and in consultation with the bar pilots, the Ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee are open to commercial and recreational vessel traffic.
Mariners should not rely solely on channel markers and Aids to Navigation as they may have moved during the course of Tropical Storm Fay. Remain vigilant, keep a sharp lookout and report all hazards to the Captain of the Port.
 
By Professional Mariner Staff