| Country | United States of America |
| Port/s | Tampa, Manatee, St. Petersburg and Ft. Myers |
| Impact | Complete Closure |
Due to the possibility of gale force winds (39-47 MPH) entering the Tampa Bay area within 24 hours, the Captain of the Port (COTP) is ordering Port Condition YANKEE for the ports of Tampa, Manatee, St. Petersburg and Ft. Myers, effective on September 25th, 2024 at 0800 (08:00 a.m). Hurricane HELENE is currently entering the Gulf of Mexico, southwest of Key West, Florida and is forecasted to impact Western Florida.
Prohibited Operations:
- Inbound vessel transits are prohibited.
- All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons must have departed the ports.
- Waterfront Cargo operations not associated with storm preparations are prohibited.
Current Actions: All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons must have departed the ports and anchorages unless prior arrangements are made to safely moor in port. Vessels that cannot depart the port must contact the COTP to request permission to remain in port and provide a heavy-weather plan for safely doing so. Proof of facility owner/operator approval to moor at facility is required. Final facility preparations should be completed. Coast Guard Port Assessment Teams will be conducting port surveys. All facilities shall continue to operate in accordance with their approved Facility Security Plans and comply with the requirements of MTSA. The COTP may require additional precautions to ensure the safety of the ports and waterways.
Future Actions: Ports, facilities and operators should anticipate setting of Port Hurricane Condition ZULU. Upon the setting of Port Hurricane Condition ZULU, all vessel movements shall cease and all waterfront operations are prohibited except final storm preparations.
Drawbridges in the area may cease operations as early as eight hours prior to the anticipated arrival of sustained gale force winds or when an evacuation is in progress. During lock-down, the bridge is closed, power is turned off, traffic arms may be removed, the control house is secured and the bridge operator is sent to safety.
For further assistance or enquiries, please contact your local Inchcape Shipping Services representative at iss.tampa@iss-shipping.com.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available. The safety of all personnel and assets remains our top priority.