The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) ordered Port Condition Yankee to be set at the Port of Palm Beach as of 8:00 am ET on Friday, September 8, 2017. Sustained gale force winds are expected to affect South Florida within 24 hours. The Port and its tenants and users continue to make preparations for Hurricane Irma’s arrival, in full accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Information Bulletin posted below.
- Anticipate that the COTP will order cessation of cargo handling operations on board waterfront cargo facilities during Condition Zulu (12-Hour Warning). COTP will order the suspension of all ship-to-shore cargo transactions.
- All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons will be required to depart the port immediately. COTP Orders will be issued to vessels masters, if necessary, requiring them to depart.
- Anticipate that the COTP may close the Port to incoming traffic at this time and to all but emergency vessel movements when Condition Zulu is set. Broadcast Notice to Mariners will be used to announce impending Port closure and special conditions deemed necessary by the COTP.
- COTP survey teams will conduct final facility and vessel surveys to address any remaining unresolved discrepancies.
Cruise Passengers
All passengers onboard Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration are disembarking this morning, and the ship is scheduled to depart the Port at 10:30 am. The cruise line has canceled sailings departing Friday, September 8, 2017 and Sunday, September 10, 2017. Affected travelers can call 1-800-374-4363 or their booking agent to reschedule a cruise or request a refund. Guests who re-book by September 30, 2017 will receive a $50 onboard credit per cabin. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s hurricane hotline is 1-800-214-0864.
Resources
United States Coast Guard, Sector Miami: http://homeport.uscg.mil/miami
-- Marine Safety Information Bulletin: http://bit.ly/2jaAXgC
Weather.gov/Miami
AlertPBC.com
ReadyPBC.com
FloridaDisaster.org
ReadySouthFlorida.org
211hurricane.org
Ready.gov
Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557
Palm Beach & Treasure Coast 211 HelpLine: Dial 211