Info Needed About Oil Spill and Getting Home

[Sea Yawl Later]

We left home in January and have been in the Exumas. We crossed two days ago and are now on our way to Ft Myer, Florida from Islamorada. We live in Kemah, Texas and want, no need to get home. There was precious little information about the spill in the Exumas. Of course on the boat we don't have TV. We have heard that we should be able to get home through the ICW. Our mast height is 54', draft a little over 3' which means we will have to exit the ICW between Destin and Pensecola and again around Mobile Bay ( we think). Could anyone give us web sites or phone # or whatever so we will know what we are facing? Thank you so much.
Sea Yawl Later!!

Rusty and Linda

[cdennyb]

why not use the maps online of the spill areas and just go south around it. No hurry? No problem.

[Ocean Girl]

Linda, there are many places you cannot get in because it is boomed off. I suggest trying the boatUS site. I really think it would be better to simply cross from the keys to Galveston (staying way south of the action) but could be wrong about that. You will hit oil Because I believe it has hit the loop current so I think sailing with through hulls closed is a good idea, but again not sure. There is darn little info on what us boaters need to do but the Boat US site seems to imply not to pick up any oil into your intakes (engine, A/C, water pumps etc).

Your slip is wating for you , if you need help just holler at me.
Erika

[captainron369]

I agree with OG, The spill seems to be drifting north, it has made landfall from New Orleans to Pensacola. It appears that some of it may have been picked up by the loop.

[AnchorageGuy]

Rusty and Linda, Here is the NOAA site which is updated often, http://tinyurl.com/2afrqhv
There is no closing of the Gulf ICW as of Monday but the situation is constantly changing and the winds are forecast to push the oils closer to the shore for the next couple of days. You might consider, as others have mentioned, to head across the southern gulf for Galveston, based on the NOAA forecast maps. You need to keep a close eye on the area between Tarpon Springs and Carabelle if you go the coastal route. According to Florida Governor Crist, the waterways are open along the Florida coast, including the Panhandle right now. Good luck.