News Release DATE: October 12, 2014 12:50:50 PM PDT Coast Guard advises mariners, public to prepare for Tropical Storm Gonzalo in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard advises mariners, recreational boaters, swimmers, surfers and the general public in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Sunday to exercise good judgement and prepare for tropical storm conditions due to the anticipated passing of Tropical Storm Gonzalo. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is developing quickly as it heads towards the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, said Capt. Robert Warren, Sector San Juan commander and Captain of the Port San Juan. By noon Monday, swimmers and recreational boaters should avoid the ocean and the general public should stay away from shoreline rocks until the tropical storm passes and weather and surf conditions normalize throughout the area. We will continue to monitor the heavy winds and seas along the islands to ensure the safety of the ports in our area of responsibility. Vessels and facility operators, recreational boaters, swimmers and people conducting activities in the ocean, should pay close attention and monitor this situation through updated National Weather Service advisories and take appropriate action to minimize the risks associated with these predicted conditions. weather.gov/ and nhc.noaa.gov/. Here are a few tips to help mariners protect themselves, their families and their vessels prior to the arrival of a tropical storm: • Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat if you know a tropical storm is approaching. • Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing your vessel. Marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat. • Take action now. The effects of a tropical storm can be felt well in advance of the storm itself and can prevent the safe completion of preparations. • Check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area. Do not rush to your boat. Boaters should not place themselves in danger to get to a boat. • Do not try to reach your boat if it has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available. Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional. • Storms move quickly and are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life. The Coast Guard requests that the public not call Coast Guard facilities for weather information, but that they listen to weather broadcasts and track internet updates through: nhc.noaa.gov/.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 22:06:08 +0000
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