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US Coast Guard Rescues 12 from Stranded Vessel Near St. Thomas Amid Tropical Storm Philippe

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ST. THOMAS – A prompt response by the U.S. Coast Guard led to the safe rescue of 12 individuals from the M/V Bonnie G, a vessel that found itself in peril just south of St. Thomas airport on Wednesday morning.

The 195-foot vessel registered in Vanuatu, recognized as a “ro-ro” (roll-on/roll-off) cargo ship, faced adversity as Tropical Storm Philippe distanced itself from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Reports confirm that all individuals aboard Bonnie G are unharmed.

Coast Guard watchstanders stationed in Sector San Juan received the distress call from Bonnie G at 3:41 a.m. on Wednesday. The communication relayed the grave circumstances on board, with water breaching the engine room, prompting the crew to desert the ship and seek safety in two life rafts and a lifeboat.

Reacting to the crisis, an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was disseminated by the Coast Guard personnel in Sector San Juan, alerting nearby seafarers. Following the alert, a team from Boat Forces Detachment St. Thomas swiftly launched a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft to initiate the rescue. Upon reaching the site, the Coast Guard unit successfully evacuated all 12 survivors, ensuring their safe arrival at Crown Bay Marina.

Capt. José E. Díaz, the helm at Coast Guard Sector San Juan, praised the prompt and efficient actions of the Coast Guard members, articulating, “The grounding of this vessel was a narrow escape, and our vigilant watchstanders along with the boat crew merit recognition for securing the safety of Bonnie G’s occupants.” He accentuated the importance of investigating the episode to tackle potential environmental hazards, stating, “A high priority is to address risks adeptly and ensure hazardous substances are removed expeditiously and safely to preserve the immaculate waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Cooperation is underway between the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment, response personnel in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Bonnie G’s owning firm to evaluate pollution threats. The vessel reportedly houses around 13,000 gallons of fuel, 250 gallons of lubricating oil, along with a cargo of six automobiles, a truck, a trailer, and two cargo pallets. The National Response Center and local authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands have been apprised of the situation.

The inquiry by the Coast Guard to ascertain the causes and analyze the aftermath of the incident is ongoing.

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USVI Community Pulse

New Parking Fee at Fort Christianvaern Starting Dec. 11

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Beginning December 11, visitors to Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, St. Croix, will need to pay a $10 daily parking fee, as announced by the National Park Service (NPS). This new automated payment system, located at the parking lot’s entrance, will facilitate payments exclusively via debit and credit cards, as cash transactions will not be available.

The NPS has implemented this fee to generate additional revenue, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The funds collected will be strategically invested in improving the park’s facilities and infrastructure, contributing to a more enjoyable and well-maintained environment for all guests.

Parking will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. To ensure the safety and proper use of the parking lot, vehicles left after 5:00 p.m. may be towed at the owner’s expense, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the stipulated hours.

The NPS encourages the continued use of the parking lot at the Christiansted Historical site, highlighting its safety and convenience for both town and park visitors. They anticipate positive public cooperation with these changes.

For further inquiries or to address any concerns, individuals can contact Chief Ranger Gabriel Laurencin at [email protected] or call 340-773-1460 for assistance.

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USVI Community Pulse

St. Croix Prepares for Dazzling Christmas Boat Parade with Parking and Traffic Regulations

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The picturesque island of St. Croix is abuzz with excitement as it gears up for the much-anticipated annual Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, December 9. This festive highlight draws crowds to Christiansted’s scenic boardwalk, prompting the V.I. Police Department to enforce specific parking restrictions and road closures for a seamless event experience.

Key measures implemented by the VIPD in preparation for the parade, a cornerstone of St. Croix’s holiday celebrations, include:

  • A parking ban on Queen Cross Street, from Riddims to the Caravelle Casino, effective 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This measure is essential for vendor setup and smooth parade preparations.
  • King Street will also be subject to a no-parking policy from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This restriction encompasses the stretch from Florence Williams Library to Government House and includes the vicinity from Strand Lane (Purple Papaya) to King Street.

To ensure public safety and efficient traffic management, roadblocks will be in place at the intersection of King Street and King Cross Street (near the Library), commencing at 11:00 a.m. and lasting until midnight. Access during this time will be limited to vendors and officials associated with the Boat Parade Committee.

The Christmas Boat Parade is an iconic tradition in St. Croix, attracting thousands to the Christiansted boardwalk for a magical evening. The event is renowned for its display of intricately decorated boats, illuminating the night with festive lights, culminating in a stunning fireworks show.

The VIPD extends its gratitude to the community for cooperating with these traffic and parking arrangements, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe, enjoyable holiday experience for all attendees.

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USVI Community Pulse

Ford Initiates Major Recall of Over 45,000 Vehicles Due to Door Latch Concerns

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Ford Motor Company has begun issuing notices to owners of select models, specifically the 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and the 2016 Lincoln MKZ, regarding a critical safety issue identified in these vehicles.

The company disclosed in mid-November the discovery of a defect in the door latches of certain vehicles. The defect involves a latch component that may break, potentially making the door difficult to secure or, in some cases, allowing it to open unexpectedly during travel.

Notably, some of these vehicles are known to have been sold and registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In response, Ford dealerships are conducting thorough inspections of the door latches on affected vehicles, with a directive to replace all four side door latches at no cost to the vehicle owner if they find any issues.

Vehicle owners who prefer immediate action rather than waiting for postal notifications can access further information by reaching out to Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

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