Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
Click here for New Product Show Recap, Join Us In Annapolis, Beautiful Topcoat Paint
Having just celebrated their 30th anniversary, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a NC DOT Rest Area facility.
Our thanks to these Loopers for their recommendations for transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and Albemarle Loop are CRUISERS NET SPONSORS!
The best source of up to date information is to call the Deep Creek Lock. 757.487.0831. You want to speak to “Robert”. Robert Peake is the lock master and has been working the lock and the Lake Drummond water management for a long time. He will give you real time up to the minute evaluations of the condition and whether it is appropriate for your boat. If Robert is not on duty, go ahead and ask the lock master your questions, but also ask when Robert will be back on duty! Check in with Robert later. Also note that the lock has a schedule. Do not call Robert during the time he is locking boats or opening the bridge. The folks at the welcome center are terrific, however they are not as knowledgeable of the latest conditions of the entire canal.
Also please be aware that there is a sailboat rally of about 15 boats leaving Hampton on October 20. That will tie up the lock and visitor center as well as tying up the docks in Elizabeth city on October 21 and 22. This would be a good time to take the Virginia Cut route, not the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Tom Hale
Tadhana
Helmsman 38
The Dismal is our preferred route. Yes, a 5′ draft boat can do it. Single engine with a keel is obviously most desirable. Exposed wheels are ALWAYS at risk everywhere, including the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal.
Techniques for an uneventful transit:
1) The control depth for the canal is 6-1/2 ft. It’s 22 statute miles from Deep Creek Lock to South Mills Lock. The locks open on schedule: 08h30, 11h00, 13h30 and 15h30. There is a speed limit, but it doesn’t matter. You have 5 hours to go 22 miles… If you enter the system at 08h30, and travel at slightly less than the speed limit, you will easily make the opening at 13h30. (Southbound, that plan gives you time to clear South Mills at 13h30 and get to Elizabeth City for the daily Wine and Cheese Gathering.) Do not race down the canal. Plan to arrive not more than 10 minutes before bridge opening/locking time. There is no place to tie up (well, best to assume there won’t be a place to tie up), and the earlier you arrive, the longer you will need to station-keep at the bridge by the lock before its scheduled opening time.
2) there is waterlogged tree fall on the bottom of the canal, and on the bottom of the Upper Pasquotank as well. Go slow. This stuff won’t bother anything if you’re at idle speed. It’s possible you’ll hear a thump. Won’t hurt anything if you’re going slow. We have been through there many time, with no thumps. Yes, we have had thumps. We go slow. No damage because we idles along at 4+ MPH (Statute MPH, not “knots”).
3) If you lock through with other boats, space out about 1/2 to 3/4 mile. That way, if prop wash from a boat in front of you does pick up something from the bottom, it will have time to settle back down before you get to it.
4) there are no lateral markers in the classic sense of dayboards. But there are 2″x2″ sticks painted red and green in some places. Immediately south of South Mills lock comes to mind. Be on the lookout for them, and honor them as lateral markers.
5) When you clear South Mills, you will almost certainly encounter some floating green “stuff.” IT WILL NOT CLOG SEA STRAINERS. It’s on the surface. The patterns in the water make a pretty wake.
Jim Healy
Monk 36 Hull #132
The Dismal is scenic. At 5 foot draft you may bump at times. Sailboats go this route all the time but they have protected props. Right now there is a lot of duckweed on the water so you will need to check your strainers.
The route through Coinjock is also very scenic although maybe a little longer. If you have the time come and do the Albemarle Loop.
Bill Denison
We draw 5’4″ and have gone through the Dismal Swamp canal twice, most recently in late April. We go slow, less than 4 knots, and stay back at least a half mile when following other boats. We bump a few times but no damage resulted.
I have heard other’s say they incurred damage in this stretch, but that hasn’t been our experience. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the canal.
Mike Bell
M/V Inshallah
Defever 48
We passed through a couple days ago and heard Robert's warning about duck weed but carried on. The strainer was full at the Visitor's Center and easily cleaned out. on approach to the South Mills Lock the temp started to spike. We idled out after the drop and tied to the pilings outside. The entire raw rater system from through hullabaloos to strainer was packed full of duck weed. It took 10 minutes to clear. And then before we pulled into E City, I cleared the entire system 3 more times. This is a Catalina 34 with the intake about a foot below the surface. Much deeper and you won't get much. We draw about 4.5' and had a total of 34 log bumps including ratatatat on the Max Prop. No vibration.
We love seeing boaters coming our way, and want everyone to have a positive experience. Thanks for the good advice. We do have duckweed, a result of a normal small petal plant, which because of heat, nutrients, and no exposure to brackish water, has proliferated. Cold weather causes it to die. The storm debris, leaves and pine straw, sticks from Hurricane Dorian added body to the mix. A drop in temperatures should ease it along. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Love the Dismal Swamp!
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina is located on the western shores of Doughs Creek, northwest of marker #10. And Manteo Waterfront Marina now has slips available for annual lease!
Click here for the Cruisers Net Focus-On article about the marina and town.
| And after several peaceful, fun, relaxing and enjoyable days in Manteo, consider the Albemarle Loop where other towns and marinas, that were spared the wrath of Dorian, have their welcome mats out and offer even more southern hospitality, local events and culinary delights to tease and please your appetites. Check out the Albemarle Loop and all that the participating marinas offer https://www. And for goodness sake, as you head on south, there are many other “boater’s paradises” along the western shores of North Carolina’s rivers and sounds. All with their unique contributions to your cruising enjoyment and experiences. This year, the Fall of 2019, we encourage you to enjoy more of what is often passed by or only briefly enjoyed. That old saying, “It’s not just the destination, it is the journey” is loaded with truth. So create those special smiles that can not be erased, make your journey the objective or destination. Wishing all blue skies, gentle breezes, good health and good time. Carl Jordan, Your Host, Manteo Waterfront Marina, Manteo, NC |
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, resumes its free Happy Hour on the Mega Dock. Charleston City Marina is located along the Ashley River’s northeastern banks, northeast of marker #5.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina
With 100 mph winds Hurricane Lorenzo is moving NE at 22 mph.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
Click here for Wounded Nature Working Veterans Summer 2019 NEWSLETTER
Our thanks to Loopers Dan Merrill and Tom Hale for these kind words for Southport Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
A reminder to all loopers that Southport Marina In Southport NC is a great stop. One of the best run marinas period. Helpful, friendly staff, great facilities, walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
Dan Merrill
Every evening at 6:00pm Hank Pomeranz, a retired Navy meteorologist and experienced cruiser provides updates on the ICW conditions with pages and pages of 4 d color handouts. Its FREE! If you are planning to go outside and run along the coast, he will provide you with weather and sea state information for your trip. The briefings are held right in the Southport Marina office building. Second floor room 202 in the past years. His information is all pertinent and up to date!
Tom Hale
Tadhana
Helmsman 38
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Good news for cruisers who are not docking overnight in the Hollywood area or who might be anchoring. However, the nearest anchorage is three miles south.
Where boating is a pleasure: A new Publix could let you dock to shop
SunSentinel
TL;DR: It’s an empty lot. It *may* eventually be a Publix with a dock. Definitely not this season.
[Editor: Thanks Sean! Title has been adjusted. LD]
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “An Encouraging Word from Abaco” plus 1 more
An Encouraging Word from Abaco
Posted: 25 Sep 2019 02:44 PM PDT
Dear Cruise Abaco Family,
It has been a little over 3 weeks since Hurricane Dorian crossed paths with Abaco. The words “Abaco Strong” are evident all over the islands. There is a flurry of activity everywhere and everyone is doing their part to clean up and make plans for rebuilding a better, stronger future. Ray and Renee’s home have plans for a new roof and it’s nice to see their smiles as they overlook the beautiful Sea Of Abaco! The airport is looking better and not far from opening soon. As you can see, things are moving along and the future is looking brighter for Abaco!
An ongoing thank you to all the folks who are sending in donations, holding fundraisers and/or collecting relief supplies and to those who are tirelessly bringing those relief supplies and medical care…. the community of Abaco just can’t thank all of you enough. A big shout out & THANK YOU to Team Rubicon for helping Cruise Abaco get our staff house a plastic roof so we can get it dried out and begin plans to replace the roof and interior so they can have safe shelter soon. Power poles are going up and new plans are being discussed for adding a solar system along with the grid which is such exciting news for us all.
While this has been a very stressful time with much loss, the community of Abaco is so moved by the tremendous support and love from people all over the globe. We all feel it and appreciate it more than words can say. Abaco’s strength is in the perseverance of the people and it is those people that make Abaco so very special. Everyone is committed to a new beginning so please keep us in your future vacation plans. We’ll let you know when the doors are open, the lights are on and our fleet is sailing again and we will welcome you with open arms!
Captain Mark & Patti Gonsalves
Proud Owners of Cruise Abaco
Disney to Develop East End Point, Eleuthera
Posted: 25 Sep 2019 01:47 PM PDT
Full article can be found in cruisindustrynews.com
Disney Confirms Second Bahamas Destination Lighthouse Point
August 25, 2019
Disney has revealed new information and two early conceptual artist renderings for its second island destination in The Bahamas, which is located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point (charted as East End Point) and will serve cruise passengers on an expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Disney Cruise Line completed its purchase of privately owned Lighthouse Point earlier this year and signed an agreement with the Government of The Bahamas that guides the responsible and sustainable way the site will be developed.
According to a press release, Disney has committed to develop less than 20 percent of the property; employ sustainable building practices, including an open-trestle pier that eliminates the need to dredge a ship channel; establish environmental monitoring programs during construction and operation; and donate more than 190 acres of privately owned land to Government, among other commitments.
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for this update from Kim Russo of AGLCA as posted on Forum and on Save Georgia’s Anchorages.
Update on Georgia Anchoring Law
If you’ve been following along with the rulemaking process to implement Georgia’s new anchoring law (HB 201) which gives DNR the authority to both require a permit for overnight anchoring and to determine where boats can and can’t anchor, we have an important update for you.
As of mid-September, DNR reports that they are still examining the possibility of requiring anchoring permits, but has no immediate plans for implementation. This is a change from the previously announced intention to require permits beginning next year.
In May, DNR issued a proposed rulemaking, which quickly caught the attention of boaters who were outraged by the idea of having to purchase a permit in order to anchor overnight in waterways in Georgia. After a public comment period with a high level of engagement from boaters, stakeholders including our coalition were invited to a meeting at DNR in July to further discuss ideas for implementation. At that meeting, DNR planned to go back to the drawing board and release a new set of permitting rules around October.
However, that plan has been abandoned for now. DNR currently has no immediate plan to move forward with the permitting process.
DNR is, however, moving forward with defining anchorage areas. The approved anchorage areas are expected be the whole state, minus shellfish beds and some setback from marine infrastructure. The setback distances for these anchoring exclusionary areas is still to be determined after additional input from marinas and other stakeholders.
While our group will remain vigilant as the rest of the rules pertaining to anchorage areas unfold, we view the current status as positive. The abandonment of permitting rules for the time being shows that the voices of boaters are behind heard. Many thanks to all of you who have taken part in this process to date.
Kim Russo
Wally,
HB201 is still law, and will be until (hopefully) a revised version is passed in the next General Assembly, but without approved rules it is teethless. It is encouraging that DNR has decided to back off on any implementation of rules, but we still need to be concerned. Setback distances must eventually be addressed because of the passing of HB501, which establishes an aquaculture/oyster industry in the coastal area. Even though HB201 is independent of HB501 they are interacting as far as setbacks are concerned.
I would be surprised if DNR eventually establishes setback rules for only the shellfish beds. So setbacks from structures (my guessing here) will probably occur in the same rule. Director Doug Haymans has been consistent in saying that he does not think a uniform setback from structures (private docks, marinas, etc.) will work. The various groups protesting HB201 has offered 250' as a compromise distance that we will think will work. Any distance over 250' will affect anchoring near multiple marinas and this is a concern.
As far as permitting still being on the table, my understanding from the July 31 stakeholders meeting, is that DNR is willing to back off on this for short term anchoring, but the stakeholders and Director Haymans agreed that DNR must have some way of managing long term anchoring vessels, if they are allowed at all. Such vessels are problematic as they often become derelict and/or washed ashore during severe weather.
It's my hope that DNR will continue to reach out and work with the stakeholders so we can develop reasonable rules for anchoring concerns in GA coastal waters.
Update came from Kim Russo. I merely shared her post. Please correct attribution.
Via the AGLCA Forum, Loopers asked each other for favorite marinas along the Waterway. The list below is by good friend and frequent Cruisers Net contributor, Jim Healy. Note that of his nine marinas recommended, SIX are CRUISERS NET SPONSORS!
Ron,
Not easy to meet all of your requirements. Also be aware, even in North Florida, you’re going to have some weather cold enuf that you won’t be in the pool.
Marinas I respect along the ICW:
River Dunes In Oriental, NC
Morehead City Yacht Basin In Morehead City, NC [A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!]
Southport Marina in Southport, NC [A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!]
NC marinas will shut down dock water and pump out facilities in freezing weather.
Osprey Marina in Myrtle Beach, SC [A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!]
Port Royal Landing in Beaufort, SC [A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!]
Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, GA
Camachee Cove in St. Augustine, FL [A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!]
Titusville Muni in Titusville, FL
Ft. Pierce Muni In Ft. Pierce, FL [A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!]
None of these marinas meet all of your requirements. Closest would be Southport. All require advance reservations. You may already be too late for 2019-20. “Winter” is very different from Oriental, NC to Ft. Pierce, FL…
Opinions are free; these are mine…
Jim
Monk 36 Hull #132
This is good news for cruisers to this popular port in the NC Outer Banks. See also Recovery Process.
Ocracoke In Recovery Mode, Awaiting Relief
Coastal Review Online
Fernandina Harbor Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, was damaged by hurricane Matthew and is slowly recovering – good news for cruisers. The Marina docks and restaurant are right in the heart of the many wonderful things to do and see in this special port. For latest dockage information, call 904-310-3300.
9/23/19 According to Joe Springer, the marina is making great progress and he is pleased with all the improvements. Here are a few pictures:
August 6, 2019 – Electrical Updates
August 14, 2019 – 80′ Gangway Arrives
August 6, 2019 – Updates
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Hope to be one of the first visitors to arrive for the GRAND re-opening. the absence of this marina has been felt by many of us that plan weekend trips to Fernandina. So many great places to eat and see here not to mention some of the friendliest marina staff anywhere.
A tall-masted cruiser with a 6 ft draft asks your advice on doing the ditch with a deep keel. This subject has been tossed around in the past and though most of you Waterway cruisers have only 5 ft of draft, please respond to Pat Chadwick’s request for guidance. Pat does not give us his air draft, another limitation to be considered.
I would appreciate some advice about the practicality of cruising the ICW from Norfolk to Oriental in a sailboat with a 6′ draft.
Pat Chadwick
Hey …
Just saw this discussion and wondered if anyone had any experience / late intel on ICW from Beaufort to Norfolk with 8 ft draft (C&C 41 – also a tall stick, still getting accurate air draft measure on her, just bought recently). Trying very hard to avoid CH and to avoid having to stay in VA / Chessie for the winter because will have to heat her …
Thanks,
Joyce
Easy to do, just hang around until a tug pushin barge goes in your direction,then follow him close. Also make sure you have a danforth hanging on the stern rail ready to toss if you hit and a zodiac with an outboard to quickly drag the anchor back another 50 feet to winch your self off.
Good point on bridge clearance. Once you're past Great Bridge, that section of the ICW does not have lunar tides, so it doesn't seem that there's any sense in talking about "timing passage for low/mid tides" to get better bridge clearances. However water levels can be affected by persistent, strong winds. We've been told that a persistent, strong W or SW wind can raise water levels at the NE end of the Pamlico/Pungo area, and therefore reduce bridge clearances, at the Wilkerson. I haven't experienced this, but it's something to watch out for if you've got a tall stick.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Great to hear from someone who's done it. We haven't decided which route to take, but would be interested in why you have always avoided the Dismal Swamp route.
We had more trouble with mast height than depth. Our mast was right at 65.The ocean was more friendly for us.
Assuming that you are talking about the Virginia Cut route rather than the Dismal Swamp (I have no experience with Dismal Swamp), that stretch is one of the least problematic parts of the ICW for 6' draft. We've done it over a dozen times with 6'. Pay attention to staying in the channel in Currituck Sound, and the height of the Wilkerson Bridge.
The controversy over dredging popular Big Pass, which has never been dredged and is subject to frequent shoaling and channel shifting has been waged since early 2017, see Legal Battles Mount.
Click here for Judge rules in favor of Big Pass dredging
YourObserver.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass
Comments and complaints from boaters about being hassled by law enforcement in this anchorage have been around for years and anchoring regulations seem to change with each new Florida administration and legislation. If you have anchored in Lake Worth recently, let us hear about your experience with law enforcement while on the hook. Our thanks to Fontaine Jean-Claude for this warning.
Please advise of the latest regulation for anchorage at Lake Worth North, Last spring i was informed by a city police and receive a warning for anchorage a this area. The police told me this area is not authorized for anchorage as per Federal law.
Fontaine Jean-Claude
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Northern Lake Worth Anchorage
We stayed in anchorage #2 across from Rybovich marina last month without problems. The thunderstorms were so bad we wanted plenty of room if we dragged in the middle of the night.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Report from Cruise Abaco
Report from Cruise Abaco
Posted: 19 Sep 2019 08:26 AM PDT
Dear Cruise Abaco Family,
We wanted to give you an update, while this has been extremely challenging time for all, Mark was able to get to Abaco on a private boat and do an assessment. The community of Abaco are working hard on the clean up and rebuilding will begin soon. Roads are open and they are working hard at the airport to restore commercial flights.
Many of our Haitian staff and their wives and children had to evacuate to Nassau to the gymnasium there for shelter, food and water. We are in the process of trying to secure shelter in Abaco to bring them back and try to get some stability back in their lives and of course kids back in school.
We have a place in Dundas town Marsh Harbour that needs a roof and new drywall etc… that can house at least 10 of our staff so we will be working hard on trying to get this accomplished soon.
In the meantime our Captains will be working hard to help us deliver boats, and other tasks we have to rebuild Cruise Abaco back to where we were as we are all ABACO STRONG! Many of the businesses are trying to open and some have, truly amazing!
We and the staff cannot thank you enough for all the donations you have given and this will go along way to help us get their feet back on the ground, one step at a time.
Please plan to come to Abaco, we will all welcome you with open arms and warm hearts!
Thank you so very much and we will continue to update and have pictures as well to keep you all in our loop!
Captain Mark & Patti Gonsalves
Proud Owners of Cruise Abaco
I look forward to planning our trip there when infrastructure to support cruisers is rebuilt.
So many share your feelings. Meantime don’t forget to try the Exumas, these are beautiful and a little more remote chain of islands.
Cruisers’ Net someday when I’m retired and don’t have to return sail to florida to get back home to work.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Drone View of Marsh Harbour
Drone View of Marsh Harbour
Marsh Harbour is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR Marsh Harbour Yacht Club.
The number of RR bridge closures due to increased rail service in south Florida has been in contention among boaters for several years. See All Aboard Florida and Proposed Regulations from 2015 .
Fort Lauderdale train bridge schedule under scrutiny
The Triton
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Personal Report from Bahamas” plus 1 more
| Personal Report from Bahamas Posted: 11 Sep 2019 02:58 PM PDT From Fr. Keith Cartwright, Anglican Arch Deacon, Nassau In order to dispel rumours and untruths, My Priest, who just got back from Marsh Habour 6 am this morning and has been on the ground every day since from the day after storm departed gave our Church a full report on the situation in Marsh Harbour and Grand Bahama. In Marsh Harbour he said that with the exception of a few souls who are still refusing to leave what little they have, the entire affected areas have been completely evacuated. There is nothing left, he said. The stench is unbearable. There are countless medical personnel there doing an excellent job. There is a clean up team on the way from the Netherlands whose function is uncovering, containment & sanitizing of dead bodies and should be there now on the ground. There are plenty dead and unaccounted for still under debris and swept out to sea. The bodies they have recovered so far are stored in large constructed coolers run by generators. The clinic and one of the government buildings left standing have been cleaned and sanitized. They are in the process of doing the same to the building that was taken over by the Haitians. He said that the clinic and the two government buildings were the only structures not damaged, which was a testament to the builder who passed away last year. Also, the uproar about the Bahamasair charging $75 was partly true. He was present at the airport when the flight came in. It was the very first flight and was a regular scheduled flight for Bahamasair. Persons had previously purchase tickets prior to the storm and before consulting with the powers that be, made the decision to charge that fee. My Priest intervened immediately and told them that will not be happening. He got on the phone with the Prime Minister himself and explained what was going on. The Prime Minister then got in contact with the man in charge and was instructed to let that be the first & last flight they charged those people as Bahamasair was the People”s airline etc. etc. Every flight after was completely free and they went above and beyond getting the people out. There was looting and unrest, and order has now been restored. As for Freeport, there is still a lot of flooding and damage although not to the degree of Abaco. He said there are plenty dead and unaccounted for there as well. He told us stories of survivors who watched loved ones die and got swept away right before them. My head is still spinning from the horrors and grief that I can’t begin to tell you all everything, but this is what I recalled. |
| NEMA EVENING BRIEFING – SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 Posted: 11 Sep 2019 07:09 AM PDT EVACUATIONS1. There is no mandatory evacuation order for Abaco. 2. Evacuation is strictly voluntary. 3. The total number of evacuees to Nassau is approximately 3,500 so far. 4. There were a number of partners running evacuations today, including Bahamas Air, Delta Airlines, Western Air, Trans Island Air, Air Bridge and other private partners. The Bahamas Fast Ferries and private boaters also did sea evacuations. 5. The number of persons presenting themselves for evacuations is diminishing. 6. Evacuees are being processed at The Odyssey Aviation Processing Centre. We thank our private sector partners who are working with Social Services to manage this center. 7. As a reminder, all evacuations should be free of charge. The public should report any aircraft that are charging fees. Civil aviation is revoking authorizations for those aircraft. 8. The evacuation plan is to provide temporary housing in Abaco to assist those persons who wish to stay on the island. 9. Several safe spaces have been identified to clear areas for temporary housing.NOTICE ON SEARCH AND RECOVERY IN ABACO 1. NEMA and its partners have not commenced any mass scale debris cleaning in Abaco. SAFETY AND SECURITY – We are confident there is adequate coverage on both islands to address safety and security issues. SHELTERS – When evacuees arrive in Nassau they are processed at the Processing Centre at Odyssey Aviation. FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES NEMA continues to work with local and international public and private sector entities to ensure that food and water are provided to the affected communities on Abaco and Grand Bahama. As at 5pm today September 8, 2019, arrangements have been put in place for: |
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