The U.S. Coast Guard has established and enacted an emergency phone line for mariners in life-threatening situations in preparation for anticipated loss of radio transmissions due to Hurricane Irma.
To reach the Coast Guard Sector Key West, mariners in need of emergency assistance are asked to call (304) 433-3352. 911 services should only be used for land-based emergencies, the Coast Guard says.
The Coast Guard notes that this number should only be used in the case of an emergency.
Mariners are also urged to seek safe shelter at this time and to stay off the water as weather conditions continue to worsen throughout the region.