DPNR Issues 30-Day Notice Paving Way for CBCC Abandoned Vessels Removal 

 

The Wrecks of Coral Harbor will be a memory if not a calendar subject, after CBCC gets its project underway.

 

CORAL BAY — The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources has issued the first notice of a major clean-up to have sunk or wrecked vessels in the Coral Harbor “Designated Mooring Area” removed.

“Pursuant to 25 VIC § 408(b), owners of a vessel sunk or wrecked within a designated mooring or anchorage, or whose vessel sunk or washed ashore onto the shorelines of the Virgin Islands, must remove the vessel within 30 days,” according to a public legal notice from DPNR Commissioner Dawn L. Henry Esq. of DPNR) in the July 20 St. John Tradewinds.

“The owner shall be liable for any damages to public property, to the environment, and to other vessels caused by the owner’s vessel,” the legal notice announced. “Further, the Department may remove and dispose of sunken or wrecked vessels that can legally be deemed abandoned following a public notice period of not less than thirty (30) days.”

Twelve Vessels on CBCC Radar
“As of this date, there are 12 such vessels, or portions thereof, within the Coral Harbor Designated Mooring Area which have been there more than 30 days. Visible registration numbers are: VI5744TA, VI7729T; others have no identifying marks still present,” the notice continued.

“In addition, 5 (five) identified moored or anchored floating abandoned vessels will be removed,” the notice read. “These vessels have not been registered in years and in some cases owners are known to be deceased.”

“The vessels are identified as follows: 1) NY Registration # NY 3762 BD power boat, name Dorado; 2) VI-3228TC Curmudgeon, Pearson Alberg 35; 3) Despardo, sailing vessel, approx. 45 feet; 4) Cape Dory sailboat, stripped hull; 5) powerboat in back of harbor, 30 feet, no identifying marks,” the notice continued. “Notices and vessel photos are posted on Coral Bay community bulletin boards.”

“All of these wrecked or sunk vessels will be considered abandoned if not removed within 30 days of this notice,” the notice concluded. “Pursuant to 25 VIC § 409(c), failure of an owner to remove any abandoned vessel, or portion thereof, within 30 days of this notice will result in the removal and disposal of the vessels by contractors authorized by the Department.”

For more information, please contact Director Howard Forbes, Sr. of the Division of Environmental Enforcement at 340-773-5774.