SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard urges recreational boaters and beachgoers in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands to exercise caution in the coming days due to deteriorating sea state conditions and dangerous rip currents that may be associated with Tropical Storm Franklin and Tropical Storm Gert, Monday.
Boaters and beachgoers are advised to monitor marine weather forecasts and heed National Weather Service advisories that currently are alerting the possibility of life-threatening rip currents and increased sea states over five feet around the coastal waters of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Currently, the Coast Guard Port Condition status for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands remains at Port Condition Four.
During Port Condition Four, the ports are open to vessel traffic and facilities are reminded to review their heavy weather response plans and make any preparations needed to weather any storm that may approach the area.
The Coast Guard is monitoring these tropical storm systems and will communicate any changes in the Port Condition status as required.
The Coast Guard Rescue Sub-Center contact number to report a distress or rescue situation in Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands is 787-289-2041, and VHF Channel 16 is the international distress frequency to report maritime emergencies. Social media is not an appropriate means of reporting distress.