The Coast Guard places the island’s ports under Yankee condition in the face of the near passage of Hurricane Tammy

The Coast Guard placed, this Friday, the seaports of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands under Yankee status after the formation of Hurricane Tammy and due to the possible arrival of winds of up to 39 miles per hour (mph) within the next 24 hours.

During the Yankee condition, Port facilities will remain closed to the entry of commercial vessels unless authorized by the port captain. Likewise, vessels weighing more than 500 tons and that do not have an approved request to remain in the area must depart immediately.

In a press release, the Coast Guard reported that this alert for the maritime sector applies to the ports in Arecibo, Ceiba, Culebra, Fajardo, San Juan, Vieques and Yabucoa.

For their part, the ports in Guayanilla, Guanica, Guayama, Mayaguez, Ponce, Tallaboa and Salinas remain under X-Ray condition since yesterday. While this condition is in effect, Port facilities are open to commercial traffic and operations can continue.

The maritime security arm of the Armed Forces of the USA urged the boating community to remain alert and take appropriate precautions as Hurricane Tammy continues its path toward the Caribbean.

“Mariners are reminded that there are no safe havens at these facilities and that ports are safer when vessel inventory is minimal.”the Coast Guard said in written statements.

As part of the safety recommendations, the agency urged recreational boat owners to move toward the interior of the island, where boats will be less likely to break moorings.

Likewise, the Coast Guard urged People should stay away from beaches as wave heights and ocean currents typically increase prior to a system’s arrival. Additionally, the Coast Guard advised marine facility managers to review and update, if necessary, their adverse weather response plans.

At the moment, the National Hurricane Center (CNH) has not issued a hurricane watch or warning for Puerto Rico.