The Bonnie G vessel ran aground early Oct. 2023 as a result of Tropical Storm Philippe, and began taking on water just south of the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. Photo Credit: U.S. COAST GUARD
Work began at approximately 6:00 am Sunday at the Bonnie G, as the crew from offshore supply ship Harvey Challenger arrived on scene, fresh off the Cyril E. King airport.
With the Challenger in place and her crew on location, pollution responders and salvors worked through Sunday to rig and connect black fuel hoses and blue air hoses from the Bonnie G to the Harvey Challenger. Using air compressors, fuel is being pumped from the grounded vessel into three large tanks on the Harvey Challenger's decks. Extreme caution is being taken, the Coast Guard says, to ensure the safety of the crew, and to prevent any fuel from leaking into the water.
"The Coast Guard implemented a ¼ mile safety zone around the vessel to ensure our responders have a safe area to work," the Coast Guard announced in a press release. The Coast Guard further cautioned vessel operators that a breach of this safety zone could hinder the fuel removal and refloating process, subsequently delaying the vessel's removal from the area.
Once the fuel removal is concluded, plans are in place to refloat the Bonnie G securely. Following this, the vessel will be transported either for repairs or salvage, though the final decision regarding its destination remains pending.
