ST. THOMAS — Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe provided an update on the barge service availability after barges were grounded by the US Coast Guard yesterday, leaving only one barge in operation and causing long lines to form, according to a press release V.I.P.A. issued today.
Mr. Dowe said that the barges operated by Boyson, Inc. and Global Marine are still out of service. However, Love City Car Ferries provided barge transportation yesterday using its M/V Island Vic barge after its second barge, the M/V Captain Vic, was grounded following a Coast Guard inspection. The M/V Captain Vic was cleared by the Coast Guard and put back into service at 8 pm yesterday.
Both barges are currently providing service between St. Thomas and St. John, and while traffic is still heavy, the loading process is going a lot faster with the two vessels in operation, Mr. Dowe said.
The release further stated that the Coast Guard has ordered the M/V Island Vic to transport all heavy duty commercial vehicles, and the M/V Captain Vic will only transport regular vehicles between seaports until further notice.
The Port Authority has also cancelled its temporary “load and go” schedule and have placed the barges back on their regular schedule.
Mr. Dowe thanked the public for their continued patience and cooperation with the police officers and V.I.P.A. staff that are maintaining order at the docks.
For more information, contact VIPA’s Public Information Officer, Monifa Brathwaite, at (340) 774-1629 or [email protected].
Feature Image: Red Hook Ferry Terminal. (Credit: Kambesu Villa)
Tags: barge, ferry barge, red hook
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