Editor's note: click images for high-resolution
Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher M. Yaw
A damaged range marker sits uprooted Monday in the Savannah River as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
Coast Guard Station Tybee Island and ANT Tybee Island crewmembers relocate a buoy Monday in Skull Creek, South Carolina.
Seaman Elijah Squartsoff stands tow watch while relocating a buoy Monday in Skull Creek, South Carolina.
Seaman Elijah Squartsoff connects a towline to a buoy Monday in Skull Creek, South Carolina.
Seaman Elijah Squartsoff waits to connect a towline to a displaced buoy Monday in Skull Creek, South Carolina.
Damaged boats and docks along the shore of the Savannah River on Monday as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
Damaged boats and docks along the shore of the Savannah River Monday as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
A damaged range marker sits in need of repair Monday as a result of Hurricane Matthew in the Savannah River.
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Chinook makes preparations to get underway Monday in the Savannah River.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Coast Guard is working diligently with its maritime partners to reopen the Ports of Savannah, Ga., and Brunswick, Ga.
Damage to navigational aids, infrastructure and vessels along the waterways, as well as potential shoaling caused by Hurricane Matthew currently hamper the Coast Guard’s ability to safely open the ports.
“Opening the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick is my top priority,” said Cmdr. Amy Beach, Marine Safety Unit Savannah commander. “I am in constant communication with our federal, state and local partners to make sure we do this as quickly and safely as possible.”
Approximately 50 navigational aids were damaged or destroyed and several major navigational buoys were pulled off station by Hurricane Matthew. Leading the efforts to repair these aids are 10 aids to navigation team boat crews deployed from Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. Two 225-foot Seagoing Buoy Tenders, the Cutter Anvil from Miami and the Cutter Cypress from Pensacola, are headed to Savannah to assist local aids to navigation teams with this effort.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are conducting underwater surveys to ensure the channels are free from obstructions and the depth is sufficient for deep draft vessel traffic.
For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast