ST. CROIX — First responders, including the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and a good Samaritan rescued 9 people over the weekend, who were in a boat that had crashed into a reef, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced Monday.
According to Mr. Dratte, on Sunday at about 7:20 p.m., the V.I.P.D.’s marine unit notified D.P.N.R.’s marine enforcement about the sinking vessel, and both agencies responded swiftly, with D.P.N.R. taking the lead on the rescue, Mr. Dratte said.
Upon arrival, the first responders saw the owner of the vessel, who was attempting to sail his boat from the Christiansted Harbor to the Yacht Club, with as many as eight passengers aboard.
The owner was attempting to sail through a marked cut (daytime buoys), however he hit a reef and damaged the boat, Mr. Dratte said. The accident was aided by strong winds.
Mr. Dratte said the good Samaritan managed to help all nine people on the boat, among them the vessel’s owner. The passengers were then placed on D.P.N.R.’s patrol boat and brought to shore. No injuries were reported.
The sailboat remained on the reef until 1:00 p.m. Monday, and was later taken to Green Bay Marina. D.P.N.R. is leading an investigation into the incident, according to Mr. Dratte.
Tags: sinking boat st. croix, us virgin islands, usvi
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