U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 12 People from Stranded Cargo Ship After It Hits Rocks in Heavy Seas

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 12 folks from a stranded cargo ship on Wednesday after the vessel hit rocks amongst crashing waves within the U.S. Virgin Islands, officers mentioned.

The ship, described as “a 195-foot Vanuatu-flagged ‘ro-ro’ cargo vessel” referred to as Bonnie G, “was taking over water within the engine room” with passengers “abandoning ship onto two life rafts and a lifeboat,” based on a press launch by the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan obtained VHF marine radio communication from the Bonnie G at 3:41 a.m.,” the discharge defined, including, “Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan transmitted an Pressing Marine Data Broadcast to alert vessel visitors within the space of the continued misery and notified crewmembers at Boat Forces Detachment St. Thomas, who launched a Coast Guard 33-foot Particular Goal Craft to supply rescue help.”

The Coast Guard boat crew reached the scene and carried all 12 of the survivors to Crown Bay Marina, per the discharge. All passengers onboard have been reported secure with no accidents.

“This vessel grounding was a really shut name and I commend our watchstanders and responding boat crew for his or her efforts rendering help to the individuals who have been aboard the Bonnie G and bringing them to secure harbor,” Capt. José E. Díaz, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan mentioned within the launch. “There may be nonetheless a lot work forward of us to research and be taught the causal elements of this incident.”

The Bonnie G vessel firm and Coast Guard Marine Security Detachment are working with response personnel within the U.S. Virgin Islands to judge a “present air pollution menace,” based on the discharge, which said that the ship was reportedly carrying “13,000 gallons of gas and roughly 250 gallons of lube oil onboard,” together with six vehicles, one trailer, two pallets of cargo and a truck.

As well as, the Nationwide Response Heart and native authorities within the U.S. Virgin Islands have been knowledgeable by the Coast Guard, based on the discharge.

The Coast Guard additionally notified the Nationwide Response Heart and native authorities within the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Díaz added within the launch: “One among our major priorities is to evaluate the air pollution menace from this vessel and guarantee dangers are correctly managed and probably hazardous chemical compounds are eliminated as rapidly and safely as doable to keep up and defend the pristine waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”