Boat Evacuation

By Caitlyn Boza

In a region where hurricanes pose a very real threat, it’s important that boaters know how to prepare themselves and their vessels in the case of a storm.

Kevin Quinn, a member of Tybee Light Sail and Power Squadron, is dedicated to increasing hurricane preparedness among boaters in the area. “We want people to know what to do with their boats when a hurricane hits. The key is to have a plan and then execute it.”

Quinn has played a significant role in the implementation of regional hurricane safety regulations that are geared towards boaters.

After running into some problems while trying to plan a hurricane safety route for his own sailboat, Quinn called the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) for help. Unfortunately, however, they couldn’t give him the answers he was looking for. “When I called them about a plan, it turned out they didn’t have one,” he said.

With assistance from Quinn, CEMA recognized the problem and developed a plan to help boaters move inland during heavy weather. 

Prior to these amended regulations, bridge schedules made it difficult for boaters to reach their “hurricane hole,” a sheltered spot in which their boat can weather the storm with minimal damage.  The Coast Guard and Chatham County authorities have remedied this problem by mandating that the Houlihan and Seaboard System Railroad bridges remain open for vessel traffic until a mandatory county evacuation is ordered.

The Georgia Department of Transportation and CSX Corporation have agreed to operate these bridges during daylight hours in the 48 to 30 hours preceding the arrival of gale force winds.

CSX will also maintain an on-call operator for the Seaboard System Railroad bridge that will respond onsite within 30 minutes. For passage arrangements, contact CSX at (843) 629-2236.

These measurements should make it easier for boaters to move their vessels inland during a hurricane, but additional preparations are also necessary, says Quinn.

“There are two things you need to do in a hurricane – be prepared and hope for the best.  Success is in the planning. How many anchors are you going to need? Do you need additional lines onboard? Once the hurricane arrives it’s too late to gather everything you need.”

To educate people on proper hurricane protocol, the Tybee Light Sail and Power Squadron will be hosting a safety seminar on June 12, entitled “Hurricanes and Boats.” The seminar will provide attendees with important tips and literature on hurricane safety. It will be held at Tubby’s Tankhouse Restaurant in Thunderbolt from 9 a.m. -12 p.m.