The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(SAN FRANCISCO) — The Unified Command continues to respond to damage caused by the tsunami yesterday. The Unified Command, consisting of the United States Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response, and local harbor masters, has activated joint operation efforts in Crescent City and Santa Cruz harbors.
Operations include assessing damage to vessels and harbor infrastructure and monitoring pollution impacts. Public and worker safety is a top priority. The public is asked to follow local officials’ directions and stay away from the impacted coastal areas and harbors due to unstable conditions and debris hazards.
Safety zones have been established for Crescent City and Santa Cruz harbors, restricting mariners from the harbors and surrounding waterways. Boat owners should contact harbor masters for permission to access their vessels until the area has been deemed safe.
Three aerial surveys have been conducted along the northern California coastal region from the California/Oregon border to Monterey. Aerial surveys help locate damaged vessels and identify pollution impacts.
The Department of Fish and Game has activated the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) to help monitor and recover oiled wildlife. The public is asked to not attempt to rescue oiled animals, but instead report them to OWCN at (877) 823-6926.
In addition, the public should report any pollution to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or online at www.nrc.uscg.mil. The National Response Center is the federal point of contact for all oil and chemical spills.
CRESCENT CITY HARBOR RESPONSE FACT SHEET
Location: Crescent City Inner Basin Harbor, Crescent City, CA
Cause: Tsunami following 8.9 earthquake in Japan
Damage:
17 vessels afloat, appear sound but need inspection to verify
17 vessels damaged/obviously sunk
9 vessels adrift or unknown Several sunken vessels in harbor, exact locations unknown
Large debris including rocks, logs, and vessel debris scattered about inner harbor and shore
Riprap and harbor protection compromised
Navigable waters status unknown
Closures or restrictions: Harbor access restricted for public safety. The harbor will be closed to the public from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Wildlife: No impacted wildlife at this time, crews continue to monitor for them
Crews deployed: Coast Guard, California Fish and Game, Harbor District Personnel
Information numbers:
Crescent City Harbor boat owners contact (707) 464-6174 ext. 22
Media contact (916) 952-3317 or (510) 289-5794
Crescent City Harbor boat owners contact (707) 464-6174 ext. 22
Media contact (916) 952-3317 or (510) 289-5794
SANTA CRUZ HARBOR RESPONSE FACT SHEET
Location: Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz, CA
Cause: Tsunami following 8.9 earthquake in Japan
Damage:
18 vessels capsized/sunk Estimated
100 vessels afloat but damaged
No injuries have been reported
A light sheen has be reported at the north end of the harbor
Closures or restrictions: Harbor access restricted for public safety
Wildlife: No impacted wildlife at this time. Crews continue to monitor for them
Crews deployed: Coast Guard, California Fish and Game, Harbor District Personnel
Information numbers:
Santa Cruz Harbor boat owners contact (831) 475-6161
San Cruz Office of Emergency Services (831) 458-7109
Media contact (415) 713-7224
Santa Cruz Harbor boat owners contact (831) 475-6161
San Cruz Office of Emergency Services (831) 458-7109
Media contact (415) 713-7224
