BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command has directed responders to secure all equipment throughout the weekend as Hurricane Isaias tracks along the Atlantic Coast. While the UC participates in daily weather briefings by the National Weather Service, response crews are implementing heavy weather plans for securing and relocating response equipment to safe havens.
The tugs, barges, and cranes working on the motor vessel Golden Ray will relocate to protected mooring sites. Each of these assets has its own heavy weather plan that has been reviewed and approved by the Unified Command that, when implemented, will ensure the safety of the vessel, its crew, and the public. All personnel will follow guidelines established by local authorities, including evacuation orders.
The VB10,000 heavy lift crane remains at its main port of refuge in Fernandina, Florida where it has been safely moored and is accompanied by tugs.
“As Hurricane Isaias approaches, the safety of our people, the public, and the environment are our foremost concerns. We are securing our vessels and equipment in accordance with our heavy weather plan and will quickly return to our normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Incident Commander, Tom Wiker of Gallagher Marine Systems. “Please be reminded that our environmental protection barrier was engineered to withstand severe weather conditions and that increased currents and water depth due to storm surges associated with hurricanes are not likely to move the vessel from its present location. We encourage residents to respect the safety zone surrounding the Golden Ray and to heed weather reports and port conditions.”
The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command is the official source of information for the motor vessel Golden Ray response operations.
For more detailed information and updates, visit ssiresponse.com.
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