CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- The US Coast Guard on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, executed a swift rescue operation on Wednesday morning, saving 12 individuals from the M/V Bonnie G, a vessel that ran aground and began taking on water just south of the St Thomas airport. Photo: VIC

The 195-foot Vanuatu-flagged "ro-ro" cargo vessel, Bonnie G, experienced distress as Tropical Storm Philippe was moving away from the US Virgin Islands. All aboard the vessel are reported safe, with no injuries.

The distress call from the Bonnie G was received by Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan at 3:41 a.m. on Wednesday. The ship communicated its dire situation, revealing water flooding into the engine room and the crew's decision to abandon ship, taking refuge in two life rafts and a lifeboat.

In response to the emergency, an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was transmitted by the Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan to alert nearby vessels. Crewmembers at Boat Forces Detachment St Thomas promptly launched a Coast Guard 33-foot Special Purpose Craft to undertake the rescue mission. Upon arrival, the Coast Guard successfully embarked all 12 survivors, safely transporting them to Crown Bay Marina.

Quick & effective actions of Coast Guard lauded

Captain José E. Díaz, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan, lauded the quick and effective actions of the Coast Guard team, stating, "This vessel grounding was a very close call, and our watchstanders and boat crew deserve commendation for ensuring the safety of those aboard the Bonnie G." He further emphasised the need to probe the incident's causes and manage potential environmental threats, adding, "One of our main priorities is ensuring risks are managed properly and that potentially hazardous chemicals are removed promptly and safely to protect the pristine waters of the US Virgin Islands."

Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment and response personnel in the US Virgin Islands are collaborating with Bonnie G's company to assess pollution risks. The ship reportedly holds approximately 13,000 gallons of fuel, 250 gallons of lube oil, and its cargo included six cars, a truck, a trailer, and two cargo pallets. Notifications have also been made to the National Response Center and local US Virgin Islands authorities.

The incident is currently under Coast Guard investigation to determine its causes and subsequent implications.