Coast Guard establishes Miami area emergency phone line for mariners

The Coast Guard has established an emergency phone line for mariners in life-threatening situations in preparation for the anticipated loss of marine radio transmissions due to Hurricane Irma.  

Mariners in need of emergency assistance are urged to contact 911 first.  If 911 service is unavailable, please contact (305) 953-4617 to reach the Coast Guard Sector Miami incident command post.

It is important to note this number is only for life-threatening maritime emergencies in the south Florida area.  Coast Guard response capabilities may be severely degraded or delayed due to severe weather as Hurricane Irma passes through the area. 

Mariners are strongly discouraged from requesting life-saving assistance through social media.  Coast Guard access to social media feeds may be severely limited due to the effects of the storm.

The Coast Guard urges mariners to seek safe shelter at this time, as severe weather is expected to begin impacting the area within the next 24 hours.