The Frederiksted Pier. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM.
A cruise passenger who fell off the cruise ship pier in Frederiksted on Monday was pulled from the water and transported to the hospital after quick action by V.I. Port Authority personnel and a Virgin Islands Police Department officer, according to VIPA.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe on Wednesday commended Chief Wharfinger Waynia Charles and VIPD Officer Karima Liburd for what the agency described as “courageous and heroic actions” in rescuing a female passenger from the Oceania Cruises MS Nautica after she fell off the pier in St. Croix.
The incident occurred around noon on Monday, February 23, at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted, VIPA said. According to the account provided, the passenger had been sitting on the edge of the pier tying her shoe when she suddenly experienced a wave of dizziness and fell over the side of the dock.
VIPA said Charles and Liburd immediately jumped into the water and used a life ring to pull the traveler to safety. VIPA Dock Master Devante Edwards then radioed nearby vessels for assistance, and the SV Juliet responded to the call and arrived quickly to offer support.
The passenger was safely retrieved from the water and taken to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment, where she was treated and later released, VIPA said.
Dowe said VIPA is grateful to its employees and the Virgin Islands Police Department for the swift response that saved the traveler’s life. He also extended special thanks to Deputy Commissioner Shamari Haynes and Sharon Rosario of the V.I. Department of Tourism for arranging hotel accommodations for the traveler and her companion after she was discharged from the hospital.
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