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Unsuccessful Search for St. Thomas Boater Concludes After 30 Hours

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Joint search efforts led by the VIPD, St. Thomas Rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard were conducted over 30 hours starting Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in a dedicated search and rescue operation. Courtesy of THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT

ST. THOMAS — On Monday afternoon, local authorities announced the conclusion of a rigorous 30-hour search operation for 51-year-old Todman Davaughn, a St. Thomas resident.

The incident occurred near Coki Point Beach and Thatch Cay, where it was reported that Mr. Davaughn was ejected from a power boat following a crash that caused the vessel to spin out of control.

St. Thomas Rescue swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying a search drone. They located Mr. Davaughn’s 30-foot white Fountain boat, which was being towed to shore by an acquaintance. Despite this, Mr. Davaughn himself was not found.

In a robust response, St. Thomas Rescue deployed divers and a rescue boat, while the U.S. Coast Guard mobilized significant resources, including a helicopter, a sentry aircraft, and a 33-foot search vessel. The Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos also participated, conducting extended search operations through the night.

Regrettably, the search efforts on Monday afternoon did not result in locating Mr. Davaughn, and his family was informed of this outcome.

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Accidents

Unregistered Bike and Firearm Found in St. Croix Crash; Rider Airlifted After Critical Injuries

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A severe crash involving a motorbike and a pickup truck occurred on Saturday at around 8:17 p.m. on Bonne Esperance Road, Route 709, near Plot 645 in Barren Spot, St. Croix, resulting in critical injuries and an extensive emergency response.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) reported that officers were dispatched to the scene following a call from the VITEMA 911 Call Center. Upon arrival, officers from the Special Operations Bureau were already managing the scene, diverting traffic while emergency medical teams transported one of the drivers to Juan F. Luis Hospital.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident happened when a black Toyota Tacoma, stopped at a four-way intersection, was hit by a motorbike climbing the hill. The driver of the Tacoma recounted hearing a loud crash and discovering the motorbike and its rider on the road, corroborated by physical evidence at the scene.

The motorbike rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was operating an unregistered and uninsured off-road dirt bike lacking adequate lighting for night use, according to the VIPD. During the response, officers found a firearm on the rider, which was secured by the Special Operations Bureau, and further investigations are ongoing.

Hospital officials reported that the motorbike rider suffered severe injuries, including brain bleeding and a kidney laceration, necessitating an airlift from the territory for advanced medical treatment.

This incident was the second major traffic accident on St. Croix that day. Earlier, a Toyota Tundra was involved in a serious crash, resulting in the driver sustaining significant injuries after the vehicle went airborne, collided with a guardrail, and crashed into roadside vegetation.

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Accidents

Horrific Accident on Melvin H. Evans Highway Leaves Man Critically Injured

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ST. CROIX — A severe automobile accident on Saturday left a male driver critically injured, according to the V.I. Police Department. The incident occurred near the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park on Melvin H. Evans Highway around 11:58 a.m.

Responding to the scene were the VIPD’s Special Operations Bureau and the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA). Fire and Rescue personnel discovered the driver with critical injuries, including a galvanized pipe protruding from his face, which he sustained while in the driver’s seat.

The injured man was urgently transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital for emergency treatment. Given the severity of his injuries, local physicians recommended airlifting him for specialized surgery to remove the four-foot pipe embedded in his face. He was flown out of the territory on Sunday morning.

Preliminary investigations by the VIPD indicate that the Toyota Tundra pickup truck was traveling westbound at a high speed. The driver reportedly lost control, collided with a guardrail, veered off the road, and became airborne after striking an embankment and a concrete box before coming to rest in the bushes.

Eyewitness accounts and scene evidence confirmed that the victim was wearing his seatbelt, as required by Title 20, Section 466 of the Virgin Islands Code. Despite this precaution, the crash’s severity led to the tragic incident involving the galvanized pipe.

The victim’s family was notified and was present at JFL Hospital to support him before his transfer for further medical care. The VIPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and reminds the public to adhere to safe driving practices.

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Accidents

Tragic Early Morning Crash on Weymouth Rhymer Highway Claims Two Lives

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A tragic traffic accident on Weymouth Rhymer Highway in St. Thomas led to the untimely deaths of a man and a woman early Tuesday morning. The V.I. Police Department reported that the accident happened at about 12:52 a.m., near the stretch between New Herrnhut Road and Donoe Road.

The driver, 28-year-old Vernon Ferris, was navigating a silver Acura TSX eastward when he apparently lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off the road, ascended an embankment on the eastbound shoulder, and violently collided with a tree on its right side.

Vernon Ferris and his passenger, 29-year-old Tiniesha Smith, were both killed on impact. The authorities have since informed their families of the tragic event.

Investigations into the precise cause of the crash are currently underway by the VIPD.

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