Crescent City Tsunami Operations Center releases Fact Sheet #6

The following Operational Update regarding on-going tsunami recovery operations in Crescent City was released March 18, 2011 at 2:52 PM PDT:

  • The sunken 30-foot commercial fishing vessel, Tamara, was raised to the water surface and secured to the shoreline Tuesday, March 15, 2011.
  • Sunken vessel recovery will continue as weather permits.
  • A survey vessel from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and a contract vessel with Global Diving and Salvage are on-scene to perform assessment of the harbor sea floor using sonar technology.  The assessment will determine the exact locations of navigational hazards, debris and shoal water so responders can act accordingly to restore the harbor and make it safe for mariners to transit.
  • Approximately 1,500-feet of hard and absorbent boom has been deployed to contain sources of sheen in the inner harbor and to mitigate harmful effects on the environment.
  • Conducting underwater assessments to confirm locations of sunken vessels. Two contracted dive teams have assisted in the response efforts. Divers assist in raising sunken vessels.
  • Significant amounts of debris have been secured along the west side of the harbor for removal and disposal.
  • Heavy equipment and excavators have been moved into the harbor area and have begun debris removal operations. Approximately 35 cubic yards of debris has been removed from the harbor.

Damage Summary:

  • 47 vessels afloat but with some level of damage
  • 15 sunken vessels
  • 1 vessel removed
  • 1 vessel grounded at mouth of Elk River
  • Large debris including rocks, logs, and vessel debris scattered about inner harbor and shore
  • Navigable waters status unknown; boaters should use extreme caution transiting the area
  • Significant damage to moorings and docks

Closures or restrictions:

  • Harbor access restricted for public safety.
  • Harbor closed to the public at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until further notice.
  • To prevent crabs and other seafoods from being contaminated and unmarketable, commercial fisherman are advised of the following protocol:
  • Do not run circulation pumps on approach to Crescent City Harbor or within Crescent City Boat Harbor.
  • Do not pull crab pots or other traps up through water if a visible sheen is present.

Safety zone in place for Crescent Harbor; no movement without consent of USCG. Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., C, D, E, and F docks are open to owners of vessels within the boomed off area.  Vessel owners should contact Coast Guard Auxiliary members located at the Harbor Office to schedule a visit. For emergencies only, owners wishing to access their vessels outside of that time frame may contact the Coast Guard.  Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Access restrictions to A-dock have been eased and personnel floatation devices are strongly advised.

Harbor operations:  Crescent City Harbor asks affected boat owners to contact the harbor at 707-464-6174 ext. 22 to provide the following information:

  • Boat name
  • Official number/vin
  • Fuel capacity
  • Actual fuel onboard
  • All contact information

Wildlife:  No observed wildlife impacts at this time. Assessment will continue
 
Crews deployed:  US Coast Guard, California Fish and Game, Harbor District Personnel, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, oil spill response organizations
 
Information numbers:

  • Crescent City Harbor boat owners contact 707-464-6174 ext. 22
  • Report oil 1-800-852-7550
  • Report Injured Wildlife 1-877-823-6926

Other Links:

Follow the event on Twitter at:

DFG_OSPR  or  https://calspillwatch.dfg.ca.gov

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