PORT ST. MAARTEN – Port St. Maarten management is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Danny which was located on Thursday afternoon over 1000 miles from the Lesser Antilles.
Internal initial preparations have already commenced at Port St. Maarten, and if necessary additional full scale storm/hurricane measures will be taken when additional information becomes available from the Meteorological Service with respect to the approach of the tropical storm to the Lesser Antilles in the coming days.
Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority SLAC bridge attendants are on notice for the upcoming weather system. Vessels that wish to enter or exit the lagoon are asked to hail the bridge attendant on Marine VHF Channel 12. The bridge will continue to open on scheduled times.
Simpson Bay Bridge:
08:30 out
09:30 in
10:30 out
11:30 in
15:00 in
16:00 out
17:00 in
Causeway:
08:15
10:00
11:45
15:30
17:15
In the past foreign registered cargo vessels have entered the Simpson Bay lagoon seeking shelter. These vessels caused considerable damages to life and property.
The Lagoon Authority SLAC is seeking legal and government’s assistance to advise what actions can be legally taken to minimize these risks and which legal actions can be taken against perpetrators for compensation of losses.
Owners and operators of foreign cargo vessels are urged to take note of the path of any systems and take actions to secure their property, other than entering the lagoon.
Vessels entering the lagoon for shelter are advised to take down all sails and awnings to decrease wind area. Use the largest anchor and chain available and ensure that proper chafing gear is in place. Make early preparations.
If there are any extra openings these will be broadcast on local media.
