Coast Guard surveys damage after Northeast storm

by Coast Guard First District Northeast on 31 Oct 2017 Coast Guard crews from Maine to Rhode Island are surveying damage caused by a powerful storm that hit the Northeast region Sunday night and lasted into Monday morning. Coast Guard crews have identified more than 50 vessels torn from their moorings. Many were unmanned and adrift while others were washed up on shore.

Coast Guard pollution response teams have assessed these boats and have not found any significant pollution. The vessels vary in size and type, from large sailboats and recreational motorboats, to smaller craft such as dinghies and kayaks. Many of the boat owners have been identified and have contracted commercial salvage companies to recover their vessels. Other small craft remain unaccounted for.

All boaters and those living along coastal communities are urged to secure small craft and paddle craft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, as weather can change quickly and often wash small craft out to sea. If drifting and unmanned, they could set off unnecessary searches and tie-up vital search and rescue resources.