This is Ian Cairns with Quality Maritime Services Inc, a full service
marine surveying company in New Orleans.
In light of the disaster, which has befallen the United States Gulf
Coast due to Hurricane Katrina, we have a few announcements.
First, to all my friends and colleagues in the affected area, I hope
you have fared OK and would like to hear from you regarding your present
situation. Please let me know how you and your families are and what
are your present circumstances. If I can assist you in any way whatsoever
within our means, just let me know.
Regina and I had evacuated to a hotel room in San Antonio, Texas.
We will be moving by the end of the week to an apartment in Clear
Lake Texas to await the pumping out of the city and the restoration
of basic services to the city. Our offices are closed and not expected
to be re-opened in the very near future. Living conditions in the
city of New Orleans are simply untenable at the present time.
Authorities are working hard to make the Mississippi River safe for
navigation. The river is open to tug and barge traffic as of this
time. Ship traffic will commence with the arrival of the navy aid
ships next week. The lower 40-mile section of the river is heavily
damaged and pilot town is no more. Hundreds of river barges are aground
at the edges of the river and it is unknown how many may be submerged
in the river creating hazards to navigation. However, even with the
opening of the river at a future date, terminals have no power and
workers have no way to get to work. The situation up river may be
somewhat better. We are aware that stevedores of Associated Terminals
report that their equipment has escaped damage for the most part and
can go to work. We do not know the condition of others companies equipment
or status of operations.
Communications are non-existent due to downed cell towers and flooded
switchboards. Email services are reliable for those who have access.
Feel free to communicate with us by email at any time.
Quality Maritime Services, Inc. intends to move its base of operations
to Clear Lake, Texas on a temporary basis but the surveyors will continue
to work in Louisiana. We will announce new phone numbers when available.
We will attempt to continue services as best as possible, however
the level of services may be degraded until situations beyond our
control are improved. This may mean reduced written report response
time and such.
Many people have asked how they can assist us. To our customers we
ask only this, please remit payment for services rendered promptly
and on time, the difficulties in operations will place a strain on
our cash flow. The United States Postal Service is non-existent in
New Orleans at this time so we ask that remittances be made directly
to our bank by wire transfer as per instructions printed on all invoices.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the disaster.
Life will be difficult for all of us who live and work in the city.
Please bear with us as we struggle along.
Best regards,
Ian
Please keep checking this site for further updates.
