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Six escape injury in Beef Island boat incident

Six persons reportedly escaped injuries when their boat ran aground at a reef near the Beef Island bridge last evening, November 1, 2013. Photo: VINO
Head of VISAR, Mr Phil Aspinall, related that a water taxi from St Thomas was at the time delivering six passengers to Scrub Island but the boat ran aground after losing its way. Please note that this may not be the vessel that ran aground. Photo: dolphinshuttle.com
Head of VISAR, Mr Phil Aspinall, related that a water taxi from St Thomas was at the time delivering six passengers to Scrub Island but the boat ran aground after losing its way. Please note that this may not be the vessel that ran aground. Photo: dolphinshuttle.com
BEEF ISLAND, VI – Post time - 10:20AM Six persons reportedly escaped injuries when their boat ran aground at a reef near the Beef Island bridge last evening, November 1, 2013.

According to reports received by Virgin Islands News Online, rescue efforts came from a boat provided by Scrub Island as well as Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

Head of VISAR, Mr Phil Aspinall, related that a water taxi from St Thomas was at the time delivering six passengers to Scrub Island but the boat ran aground after losing its way.

It was reported that poor weather conditions may have contributed to the incident which occurred around 9:30PM.

According to Aspinall, a ferry from Scrub Island responded to the stranded passengers but the vessel was too large to enter the area where the boat was. VISAR later responded to a call from Scrub Island and managed to rescue the passengers.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the accident.

Acting Information Officer with the Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Sgt Carl Mason, said no reports were received of the incident so far.

Virgin Islands News Online will provide more details as they become available.

29 Responses to “Six escape injury in Beef Island boat incident”

  • ?? (02/11/2013, 10:44) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
    Did they cleared customs??
    • rattie (02/11/2013, 11:29) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      ting to talk
    • @?? (02/11/2013, 14:44) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      I wonder too. Customs isn't open at 9pm, unless West End or Town stayed open for them.
    • wise up (02/11/2013, 20:08) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      ??; good question; however once them white and going scrub islands that is not a problem; there are tourist !!!
    • pat (02/11/2013, 22:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      that's the first thing I thought of too.
    • Hmph (03/11/2013, 13:35) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
      Stupid comment, and it should have been "clear" not "cleared". Did you graduate from primary school?
    • luddy (03/11/2013, 14:23) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply

      Yes they cleared customs - they had cleared customs at 7:10, but the i...t that was driving the boat didn't have a GPS system (so they got lost) or the ability to get in touch with coast guard. The passengers on the boat had to contact someone in the states to call coast guard and they were RESCUED at 9:30. The color of their skin is irrelevant.

    • boat man (04/11/2013, 09:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      good question cause if i pass west heading home by time i reach on the dock custom there waiting on me trying to take my boat
  • ... (02/11/2013, 11:28) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply
    where were they off to so late at nights?
  • Guest Services (02/11/2013, 12:23) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    The six people aboard, friends/family I suspect, came from STT on a charter boat and was going to Scrub Island to vacation. This means that the six friends/family chartered the boat in advance to get to Scrub Island. More than likely, because their flight from US Mainland would have gotten them to STT after the regular Ferry schedule.
    This charter company does this all the time and the proper procedures are followed. Its just an incident where bad weather prevailed. Quite fortunately though, our BVI VISAR Team (Volunteers) were readily available to assist.
    • Sherry (02/11/2013, 23:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      would be nice to have a ferry meet the plane in STT. So far this season, most flights get in at 4:21 or 5:00 and stop in Miami. At least 40 flights get in after 4:00.
    • Sherry (02/11/2013, 23:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      the flights offered.
    • Calling BS (03/11/2013, 19:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      No, they were NOT friends and family. Some on the boat were MY family.
  • ... (02/11/2013, 12:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    None of ur business
  • ccc (02/11/2013, 13:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    just happy no one died
  • S.O.S. (02/11/2013, 14:31) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is wonderful to know that everyone was rescued. This is an excellent opportunity to recognise the much-needed service VISAR renders. Kudos to its volunteers and all those who contribute in one way or another.
  • forest (02/11/2013, 19:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This could have been more serious
  • sally (03/11/2013, 12:01) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    The six included four of our adult children on a well deserved vacation. Appreciate all the positive comments and, yes, The Lord took good care of all six through those who responded to rescue. Thank you VISAR and Marriott
  • pretty (03/11/2013, 12:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    why can't we see good. and not bad why all the negative ....
    • sally (03/11/2013, 13:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Some people can't see past their own little negative world. This could have been the most catastrophic event for our family. Hundreds would have been effected but it didn't happen and we are filled with joy while we watch grandchildren in their parents absence.
  • Nooch (03/11/2013, 14:25) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Rumor has it, one of the passengers, affectionately named "Tank", tugged the boat to safe waters by attaching a rope and pulling it with his teeth while doing the breast-stroke. Throughout his life, "Tank" has always stayed calm, collected, and positive in the face of adversity. None of you Debbie-Downers could ever stop "Tank" from greatness.
  • sally (04/11/2013, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LOL!!!!!!!
  • VIP Now! (04/11/2013, 12:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This never happen under VIP!
  • Too (05/11/2013, 10:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Visar did not rescur dem people some guys from east is how did it phil need to get it right
  • east man (07/11/2013, 13:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    visar was to scared to go in close thank to the fisherman in his whaler to go in and get the people off the boat and bring them out to the scrub island boat that was further out in the ocean
  • PASSENGER (08/11/2013, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The above comment is correct. Scrub Island ferry realized they could not get all the way to us so they called a local fisherman who was able to get right to our location. He made two trips from the Dolphin Water Taxi to the Scrub Island ferry with passengers and luggage. VISAR was also at the scene, but did not take any passengers. Thank you to the local fisherman, Scrub Island ferry and VISAR.


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