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Ex passenger boat ‘Mayflower’ still on waterfront; Powerful symbol of Irma

The Mayflower remains in the position Hurricane Irma put it in at the Waterfront in Road Town, Tortola, over two months ago. Photo: VINO/File
The Mayflower on Waterfront Drive, Tortola today, November 27, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Mayflower on Waterfront Drive, Tortola today, November 27, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
The Mayflower in its current location in Road Town is a stark reminder of the powerful force of Hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO/File
The Mayflower in its current location in Road Town is a stark reminder of the powerful force of Hurricane Irma. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- September 6, 2017 is no doubt a date that will go down in Virgin Islands (VI) history. It was the day when the powerful Category 5 hurricane, Irma, wreaked havoc on the VI, leaving death, destruction, widespread looting and panic in the streets for food and gasoline.

The powerful furious winds toppled cars and planes, sank boats, took off 90% of roofs from homes, businesses, and churches, flattened shacks and animal farmhouses, uprooted trees and broke utility posts.

In some cases, the storm which packed winds in excess 200 miles per hour lifted 40 foot containers filled with goods and moved them far distances. Even mega boats, heavy equipment and some heavy industrial generators were no match for Irma.

One of the items Hurricane Irma moved was an ex passenger boat, named Mayflower, belonging to Smith's Ferry Service.

Irma moved anything in its way!

While it’s our understanding that the boat has been out of commission for some time, it took the boat from Cleaning Hole down in the Fort Burt area of Road Town and landed it on a parking lot on Waterfront Drive in the area of the ferry docks.

It is also touching the back of the dock belonging to the BVI Ports Authority.

As of today, November 27, 2017 the boat is still there and persons close to Smith’s Ferry Service told our newsroom they are waiting on a barge to remove the vessel.

The Acting Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), Mr Alfred 'Al' Henley, when contacted, said the Ports Authority is anxious to have the boat removed and they have written to Smith's Ferry Service on two occassions, giving them a deadline of the end of November 2017 to have the vessel removed from its present location.

One thing is clear- the boat has become a powerful symbol of the devastation and power of the killer storm Irma.

19 Responses to “Ex passenger boat ‘Mayflower’ still on waterfront; Powerful symbol of Irma”

  • wize up (27/11/2017, 14:15) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Monument or tourist attraction!!!????
  • pat (27/11/2017, 14:25) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    So true
  • too much politics (27/11/2017, 14:46) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    Just like all the spoiled aid on the festival ground ( I blame the Governor. How many bloggers been saying something is wrong and ask for an investigation). Now, How difficult is it to get this thing move. It need moving. Too much Politics turning little things into big things. Lite work into heavy work.. . Same way they made giving out aid such a mountainous and Samson task.. Simple Shxxixxt..
    • No Name (27/11/2017, 16:01) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ too much politics

      Since, it's not that difficult, you move it.
    • Mr Shovels (27/11/2017, 16:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Moving a boat that size isn't nearly as easy as you might think
    • just wrong (27/11/2017, 17:22) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ too much politics - Your post reminds me of an old saying. "Best to engage brain, before putting mouth in gear'.
    • @too much politics (01/12/2017, 08:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Give the people a break!! Do you know how much it costed them to move their other vessel that was by the pier...some of these companies charging people way too much man.... just to start their equipment they charging $10-20k, mind I said start I didn't say moved(30-40) to move one vessel. Some people might be well off but it ain't every body have that type of cash sitting around, cash might be tied up in other stuff... so before running your mouth check the price it ain't cheap... theses outside companies making a killing lifting all these boats/yatch etc
  • Take Over (27/11/2017, 14:48) Like (2) Dislike (14) Reply
    Frazer start getting your disciples ready to take over this place.. Time we start moving like we serious.
  • just asking. ... (28/11/2017, 01:09) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why al does not pay to move thr boat from writing letters?
    • all in the family (28/11/2017, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ira and dr smith are first cousin mr Henley better be careful
  • barbie (28/11/2017, 09:47) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It will be moved when Government(aka Tax Payers) pay to have it move.
  • Dulcina (28/11/2017, 10:11) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    So what is the problem. Is this boat in your way? Use your media blitz for worthwhile issues worth complaining about ir tell iswhatyouhave done to assist or expedite its removal
    It look good to my eyes.. A sculptural monument of remembrance. It is beautiful@!!@

    F
    • R.P (28/11/2017, 15:12) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      What can be done with a former passenger boat...besides leaving it to deteriorate in the water? or wherever it was? I suggest that this can be used to house some of the homeless people in shelters...be imaginative and creative...make a 'Lifeboat" out of it to help humanity...it is a valuable resource..ie, shelter, which is much needed in this time...
  • 1 (28/11/2017, 16:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love seeing the boat there
    • wize up (29/11/2017, 02:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ 1: the boat been there so long now it has become part of the landscape of Road Town......for now the vessel is no problem other than some love to see and some don't: we have bigger fish to fry than so old washed up boat: houses without roof and rebuilding our educational system is far more relevant than that boat....
  • wize up (28/11/2017, 19:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The money that will be used to move that vessel could be given to some of homeless; but it depends on what you see as top priority with the current Limited cash
  • Yes (29/11/2017, 00:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Money talks bull shit walks that ferry company days done with lol


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