VI moving on derelict vessels in West End
Receiver of Wrecks and Acting Director for the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR), Captain Raman Bala said the removal of the vessels is in accordance with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act of 2018.
Major eyesore
In March 2018, VINO had reported on the unsightly eyesore of the derelict vessels throughout the territory.
In the Marinas on Tortola and the sister islands, broken marina docks some filled with large holes, severely damaged and smashed yachts and other vessels sunk and filled with water while many barges were left in mangroves, some up on land and others just the same place that both Hurricanes Irma and Maria placed them in September of 2017.
The ravages of Hurricanes Irma and Maria was seen and felt all over the Virgin Islands (VI) even as the territory has long been known for being the sailing capital of the world.
Many of the boats and other abandoned vessels also posed an environmental challenge as oil from these crafts can leak at sea, causing serious issues for the VI's already fragile environment and eco-system.
300 Notices
Captain Bala stated that pending clean-up efforts, notices were affixed to about 300 vessels around the Territory in August 2018, that appeared to be derelicts and abandoned. The list of vessels identified was also published in The Gazette.
He said, “The owners were requested to contact the VISR and remove the vessels within 60 days from the date of the notice failing which the Act considers the vessels to be abandoned and the Receiver could dispose of the vessels as necessary. The notice period is now over and the removal process will be conducted as soon as possible.”
Captain Bala added, “Out of the 300 or so vessels identified, about 120 have been removed by the owners or the insurers and have either left the Territory or have been otherwise disposed. The VISR has a list of the remaining vessels with photographs.”
Disaster Management Act
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act 2018 allows Government Authorities to declare vessels as derelicts, shipwrecked or otherwise abandoned by owners following the 2017 hurricanes. This legislation also provide safeguards to owners of these vessels.
The Government has determined that over 300 vessels have become derelict, abandoned or otherwise shipwrecked throughout the Territory. Notices were affixed on these vessels where possible and a list published in newspapers and the Gazette with owners urged to check their vessels, the local newspapers and the Gazette for notices from the Government.
The photos of approximately 36 vessels located in West End including their location coordinates and other information can be viewed by clicking on the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/134848302@N08/sets/72157699363928942/
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