ST. THOMAS — Two St. John Rescue volunteers swam to an overturned vessel grounded on rocks near Buck Island, south of St. Thomas, late Sunday night, helping bring eight stranded people to safety in a coordinated rescue involving the U.S. Coast Guard and several local emergency response agencies.
According to St. John Rescue, the organization received a call at approximately 10:06 p.m. on October 11. Responders arriving at the scene found eight people stranded on top of their overturned vessel, which had run aground on rocks. The vessel's position prevented those aboard from safely reaching the responding rescue boats, requiring rescuers to enter the water.
Two St. John Rescue members swam to the overturned vessel, making two trips between the stranded passengers and the rescue boat to assist all eight individuals to safety. Working alongside the Coast Guard, the volunteers helped the passengers reach the responding vessels.
A third St. John Rescue member operated Marine II, the organization's rescue boat, supporting the swimmers throughout the operation and helping them back aboard as they assisted the stranded passengers.
Once the individuals were aboard, St. John Rescue's chief began assessing and treating those who had sustained injuries. Two people requiring additional medical attention remained in the care of St. John Rescue personnel, while the remaining passengers were transferred with assistance from the Coast Guard.
All eight individuals were subsequently transported to St. Thomas, where awaiting emergency medical personnel continued assessing and treating their injuries. St. Thomas Rescue members were also at the dock to assist upon arrival and helped arrange hotel accommodations for the rescued passengers to spend the night.
All reported injuries were non-life-threatening, according to St. John Rescue.
The nighttime operation involved St. John Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard, Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, St. Thomas Rescue, and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. St. John Rescue thanked the responding agencies and personnel for their assistance in bringing all eight individuals to safety.
