The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(HONOLULU) — Coast Guard rescue crews are making preparations throughout the Main Hawaiian Islands to provide post-tsunami support following the devastating earthquake in Japan, Thursday. The maritime community is reminded to listen and heed the advisories from civilian authorities.
The Coast Guard has relocated its aircraft and ships out of harms way. Crews are prepared to respond to calls for help. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft are prepared to launch. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopters are prepared to conduct response and survey missions as soon as it is safe to do so.
Capt. Joanna Nunan, the Captain of the Port, Honolulu, has closed all commercial ports. All vessels in the Port of Honolulu have been relocated to safety. All seaworthy vessels are encouraged to evacuate if possible. All recreational boaters are asked to take immediate safety precautions and avoid the surge.
The Coast Guard is focused on maintaining the safety and security of the region’s ports and waterways and is preparing for any calls for assistance. The Port of Guam is also closed and Coast Guard crews at Coast Guard Sector Guam are conducting inspections of boat basins for damage. Cutters are out to sea and are standing ready to respond.
Coast Guard teams here are also providing for the safety of their crewmembers and families and are working closely with local, state and federal partners to ensure the safety of Hawaii’s citizens and to provide for the safety and security of Hawaii’s ports and waterways.
An Incident Command Post has been established, and Coast Guard response teams are working closely with its partners in the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Hawaii State Department of Transportation, Hawaii State Civil Defense and the Department of Defense.
For more information, please contact 808-535-3230.
