The US Coast Guard has deployed response efforts for Hurricane Harvey’s impact on the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. USCG Air Station Corpus Christi aircrews have rescued in total 20 people, after they received reports from watchstanders on Saturday morning and afternoon.
Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston and Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi captains of the port have set port condition zulu for the ports of Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Freeport and Corpus Christi, except for Port Brownsville, which reopened Saturday morning.
“We are preparing to open ports once the storm has passed or weather conditions permit,” said Capt. Kevin Oditt, incident commander, incident command post Houston-Galveston. “The wind conditions and sea state determines port conditions.”
On Sunday, the Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston command center continued receiving an extremely high level of calls for help, USCG informed. As of Sunday morning, Air Station Cape Cod crews had conducted 14 rescues in the Houston area.
The Coast Guard reminds the public of these important safety messages:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm condition strengthen. This means help could be delayed.
- Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay.
- Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water.
- Be sure to secure loose items.
- Stay clear of beaches.
- Stay informed. Information can be obtained through local television, radio, Internet, and VHF radio channel 16.