The United States Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin with an update on the Hurricane Ida situation.
As informed, New Orleans and surroundings areas have been left to recover from the effects of Hurricane Ida which hit the area over the weekend.
The direct path of the Hurricane was 50 miles to the West of New Orleans which meant that this area avoided the most severe effects of the Hurricane.
Despite this, New Orleans and the Mississippi have suffered significant damage which will have a considerable impact on shipping.
In light of the situation, USCG announced:
Effective September 1, 2021 at 1500, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans has set port condition NORMAL. Vessel movement and cargo operations are authorized within the COTP New Orleans Zone.
The following waterway closures and/or restrictions remain in effect:
- A Temporary Safety Zone from MM 105 – 108 Ahead of Passes, Lower Mississippi River (LMR) is in effect PROHIBITING ALL vessel operations to ensure safety of persons and vessels from the hazards associated with the downed electrical transmission lines posing a threat of electrical shock or fouling.
- LMR from MM 108 – 167.5 AHP remains closed to all vessel traffic. Vessels desiring a waiver to transit this area should contact vessel waiver manager at (505) 818-9814.
- GIWW from the West Closure Complex to MM 20 west of Harvey Locks.
- Deep Draft vessels operating on the LMR are restricted to day light transit only.
Although waterways are open to traffic, shoaling, storm debris, and other hazards may still exist. Mariners must be mindful of their vessel wake, as flooding conditions may exist in many communities near waterways. Aids to Navigation may also be damaged or missing.
Mariners transiting the area should use caution, and report any Aids to Navigation damage, obstructions, and/or other waterways issues to Sector New Orleans Command Center at (504) 365-2209.
Concluding, mariners are cautioned to a large field of partially sunken barges along the West descending bank of the LMR at MM 57.5.
