Shinnecock Coast Guard Station Ready to Search and Rescue, if Need Be

Station Shinnecock, a U.S. Coast Guard stronghold jutting out into the bay by the Ponquogue Bridge, is bracing for the worst of Hurricane Irene.

One of the most important pre-storm preparations personnel have taken is moving vessels to sheltered areas, said Petty Officer Ped Brant. Coast Guard officers started moving boats Thursday so that after the storm passes — sometime Monday — they can access them easily to help others.

Officers also prepared and reviewed evacuation plans for their unit, Brant said.

One of the guard’s most essential functions during the hurricane is search-and-rescue, Brant said. The Coast Guard does not work on missions with the 106th Rescue Wing of the Air National Guard in Westhampton Beach, which also performs search-and-rescue, Brant said.

All 30 of the personnel are now on call for when the storm hits, but no additional manpower has been called in, Brant said.

For safety tips and evacuation instructions, citizens should look to local governments, Brant said.