Derelict Vessel Removal Begins In Sea Cows
The Recovery and Development Agency has officially launched operations to remove 28 abandoned vessels from Sea Cows Bay Harbour. The four-month project, valued at over $854,000, aims to enhance maritime safety and restore coastal ecosystems. Residents and motorists are urged to exercise caution around active work areas and heavy machinery.
Operations are officially underway in Sea Cows Bay Harbour to remove 28 abandoned and deteriorated marine vessels as part of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency's coastal restoration initiative. The Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project marks an important milestone in restoring maritime safety, clearing navigational hazards, and revitalising one of the Territory's vital marine shelters and coastal areas.
Work is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. daily, with operational crews active across both the water and shoreline. Under the project plan, extracted vessels will be brought to a designated loading site in Sea Cows Bay and subsequently transported to a staging site at Pockwood Pond.
At the staging facility, the wreckage will be dismantled and separated into distinct waste streams, including metal, plastics, wood, and fiberglass to facilitate proper disposal. The four-month contract, valued at $854,633.43, was awarded to the local joint venture of Sandwise Ltd. and Commercial Dive Services Ltd. following a formal signing in November.
RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster underscored that the project demonstrates the Government's ongoing dedication to responsible coastal and marine management. "The removal of derelict vessels is essential for safe navigation, environmental protection, and the overall resilience of our coastal infrastructure," McMaster stated. "We are pleased that this project is now underway and that it is being delivered by local expertise through this joint venture." Abandoned and decaying vessels pose serious long-term threats to local water quality and marine life due to trapped pollutants, degrading fiberglass, and hazardous debris.
By removing these eyesores and safety risks, officials aim to safeguard the surrounding marine environment while improving visual appeal for nearby communities. The RDA has advised the public to exercise caution in the Sea Cows Bay area as vessels are brought ashore. Residents, mariners, and motorists are asked to stay clear of heavy machinery and follow all posted directional and safety signage as works progress.
Primary source: Guavaberry