SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard is setting Port Condition YANKEE at 6 p.m. Wednesday for all the ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico due to incoming Tropical Storm Erika.
During Port Condition YANKEE (gale force winds are anticipated to make landfall within 24 hours) the ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are open to outbound vessel traffic only, while commercial inbound vessels are restricted from entering the port unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port.
Vessels greater than 500 gross tons currently in port are to get underway and exit the port before the Captain of the Port sets Port Condition ZULU, which closes the port to all outbound and inbound vessel traffic. All other vessels authorized to remain in port are to take appropriate precautionary measures to secure their vessels.
“Port Closure Schedule for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico”
During Port Condition ZULU port operations will officially be suspended and the ports will be closed to all inbound and outbound vessel traffic until otherwise directed by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port.
The Coast Guard anticipates setting Port Condition ZULU for the ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands at midnight Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Port Condition ZULU will be set at 2 a.m. Thursday for the eastern and northern ports of Puerto Rico. All other ports in Puerto Rico will remain at Port Condition X-RAY until otherwise directed by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port.
Following the passing of Tropical Storm Erika through the area, Coast Guard teams will conduct port assessments in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico prior to reopening any ports and returning to normal port operations.