Derelict vessels owners told to contact Shipping Registry. Photo: VINO/File

Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR), Captain Raman Bala. Photo: VINO/File

Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline. Photo: VINO/File

This is in order to immediately provide information on the removal of the vessels from their present locations.

In collaboration with the Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Lenius Lendor—the Captain notes that, “boat owners are reminded that their vessel may be included in the list of derelicts and that they are to check their vessels, newspapers and the Gazette for notices from the Government.”

400+ Vessels

The decision is being taken in accordance with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act of 2018.

Almost 400 derelict vessels have been left scattered across the Virgin Islands—considered the sailing capital of the world—following the destruction caused by two the Category-5 Hurricanes in 2017.

Photos of approximately 300 vessels in various locations are available, including their location and other information at the link: http://www.bvi.gov.vg/derelict-vessels.

Another 80 vessels are available for viewing including their location and other information at the link: https://flic.kr/s/aHskKTwqA4  while a list of 36 additional vessels in the western area of the island can be viewed via the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos

/134848302@N08/sets/72157699363928942/

Controversy

The Receiver of Wrecks can be contacted at the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry located at RG Hodge Plaza or via telephone at 468-9646 or email at vishipping@gov.vg.

Mr Lendor’s appointment was made under controversial circumstances by the National Democratic Party (NDP) Cabinet in September last, who was appointed ahead of his predecessor, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, at a base Salary of $120,000 while Virgin Islander, Akeen  R. Pickering, has been named Deputy Managing Director for a year—a story first and accurately  reported by our news site.

A few years ago the Co-Leader of the Government, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), said there is nothing that can be done to protect locals.