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Catamaran hits rock & sinks off Beef Island

-persons on board rescued by nearby vessels
The vessel partially submerged after reportedly hitting a rock off Beef Island on June 21, 2021. Photo: Team of Reporters
All of the persons on board were quickly rescued by nearby yachts and no one was hurt, our newsroom was told. Photo: Team of Reporters
All of the persons on board were quickly rescued by nearby yachts and no one was hurt, our newsroom was told. Photo: Team of Reporters
The vessel reportedly began taking in water after hitting a rock. Photo: Team of Reporters
The vessel reportedly began taking in water after hitting a rock. Photo: Team of Reporters
BEEF ISLAND, VI- A catamaran that had at least five persons on board sank off Beef Island after reportedly hitting a rock yesterday afternoon, June 21, 2021.

The persons on board were quickly rescued by nearby yachts, our newsroom was told.

Reports of the incident, which took place around 4:00pm between the airport runway and Little Camanoe, were confirmed by Operations Manager of Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR), Mr J. Phil Aspinall.

Mr Aspinall said VISAR received the distress call; however, vessels in the area were quick to the rescue and took the persons off the sinking vessel before the boat went under.

He added that VISAR then arranged for salvaging of the vessel.

No one was hurt, Mr Aspinall confirmed.

17 Responses to “Catamaran hits rock & sinks off Beef Island”

  • Sad (22/06/2021, 11:03) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Need a red marker in that area cause folks don’t pay attention to the one that is there or maybe they don’t know what it means
    • @sad (22/06/2021, 12:50) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
      If someone doesn't know how to use charts or what a marker means then they should not be skippering a vessel!!!
      • @@sad (22/06/2021, 15:33) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
        Yep! This is what happens when you can get a captains licence online.
      • Correction (22/06/2021, 16:19) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
        the rock the vessel hit is not marked. this is the 5th vessel for the year that has hit that rock and nothing is being done. it doesn't even show up properly on gps
  • lol (22/06/2021, 11:24) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    VIP need to redflag this rock
  • Capt Hal (22/06/2021, 11:59) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Read the chart it’s in red from airport strip to beef island beach,the degisnate root is between great and little cameno channel but everyone follows everyone not having a clue
  • Windy (22/06/2021, 12:25) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Have to admit it can be confusing leaving Trellis bay, Things aren't marked well.
  • NezRez (22/06/2021, 12:47) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    So glad everyone was safe. The boat owner has taken a great loss too. Sorry for everyone.
  • Really (22/06/2021, 15:35) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sorry but to hit the rocks you have to be blind and not know what you are doing. There are two north cardinals by both sets of rocks AND the rocks break - meaning they are very very easy to see. To hit these rocks your competence to bareboat a cat is very much in question.
    • Capt Jack (22/06/2021, 17:31) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Wrong rocks. This boat hit the rock closer to the end of the run way. It sits just below the surface. There is one bouy nearby marking it but there should be additional warnings for this one
  • perhaps (22/06/2021, 16:36) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    MAYBE THEY NEED TO BUILD A LIGHTHOUSE ON THE ROCK WITH A FLASHING LIGHT ON THE TOP.
  • wow (22/06/2021, 17:13) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    We show use explosives and blow all these rocks that our loved tourists hit! They are bad for our industry!! ;-)
  • Navigator (22/06/2021, 19:58) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    I have navigated these waters for over 35 years, including making passage through the aforementioned channel(s). In those 35vyears the marking of "Navigational Hazards", went from "almost zero" to "Quite well". Never had an issue when I lined up points ashore and "knew where I was" consulting anything form "Admiralty Charts as well as Don Streets charts...GPS online Charts, never had a problem. The "rocks are on the Charts....Sorry I think inexperience, maybe overzealousness and not paying attention may have contributed to this Mishap.. perhaps...What do I know..
  • Tim (22/06/2021, 23:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hear different options/thoughts on where it actually took place. Anyone who knows can share the coordinates ..?
  • kiss (23/06/2021, 07:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Navigators should follow the KISS principle because it is less hassle. Favor the Great Camanoe/Marina Cay side of the Beef Island channel and use the channel between Little and Great Camanoe to exit/enter the Beef Island Channel. The Trellis Bay entrance/exit channel is now clearly marked as well on the east side of Bellamy Cay.
  • Trey (24/06/2021, 18:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If it is the rock I'm thinking of - It is in restricted water - pretty clearly marked on the charts...


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