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The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announced Tuesday that the derelict vessel adjacent to the Svend Ovesen Seaplane Terminal in Christiansted Harbor has been removed. This marks the beginning of the derelict vessel removal portion of the USVI Marine Debris Sweep program which aims to remove hurricane debris throughout the territory, D.P.N.R. said.
On Sunday, March 1, D.P.N.R.'s Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) accompanied Cruzan Maritime Services during the removal of a derelict sailing vessel in the Christiansted Harbor. Director of DEE, Howard Forbes, Sr, and Education & Outreach Coordinator Juan Cruz supervised the raising and towing of the vessel, according to the release. The entire process was overseen and documented by DEE to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of the natural resources surrounding the vessel that was removed.
The funds for this project are being provided by a grant acquired by the Division of Coastal Zone Management from the NOAA Marine Debris Program. This supplemental funding from Congress was offered to areas affected by the 2017 hurricane season. The USVI received $4.2 Million for the removal of hurricane debris ranging from small-scale community clean-ups to large-scale vessel removals throughout the territory.
This program will continue throughout the territory as more derelict vessels are removed from important mooring and transient areas, D.P.N.R. said.
The next scheduled vessel to be removed will be the derelict vessel adjacent to Hotel on the Cay in the Christiansted Harbor.
For more information on the removal of hurricane debris in the territory, contact Ms. Kristina Edwards at (340) 774-3320 or by email at [email protected]
