SAIPAN — U.S. Coast Guard crews and partner agencies continue working across all three major islands of the CNMI this week, conducting aids to navigation work, pollution assessments and port safety operations as the region recovers from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
At Apra Harbor on Guam, Station Apra Harbor crews returned a displaced aid to navigation, restoring a key safety marker for mariners transiting the harbor. On Tinian and Rota, pollution assessment teams that include specialists from Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, the Incident Management Assistance Team and the Pacific Strike Team conducted pollution and vessel damage surveys by boat and drone alongside CNMI Department of Public Safety crews to identify environmental threats.
On Saipan, Coast Guard crews worked with the Commonwealth Ports Authority to advise on temporary lighting at the port, a step toward restoring security and safe nighttime operations. USCGC Hickory is conducting aids to navigation servicing in Tanapag Harbor, including the Tanapag Harbor Range and Channel Buoy 10.
The Coast Guard is also warning mariners that VHF radio communications infrastructure across the CNMI was significantly damaged by Sinlaku and restoration remains ongoing. Mariners are advised to carry and monitor multiple communication devices, including VHF radios, satellite communicators, cell phones and EPIRBs or PLBs, and to ensure someone ashore has a float plan before departure. Vessels in distress should continue hailing on VHF Channel 16.
A rip current statement from the National Weather Service remains in effect for the Marianas through Friday afternoon. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water unless they are strong swimmers in a designated swim area. Anyone caught in a rip current should swim parallel to shore rather than fight the current.
