Derelict Vessels Removal Ahead of Schedule
The Recovery and Development Agency reports strong progress in the Sea Cows Bay Harbour derelict vessel removal project, with 19 of 28 identified wrecks removed in the first three weeks. Operations are running seven days a week under a four-month programme that began on 5 December 2025.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) says removal and disposal works at Sea Cows Bay Harbour are progressing on schedule, with 19 of the 28 identified derelict vessels taken away in the first three weeks of operations. The four-month project began on 5 December 2025 and targets wrecks and abandoned craft that pose navigational, environmental and public-safety risks.
RDA staff and a joint-venture contractor made up of local firms Sandwise Ltd. and Commercial Dive Services Ltd. are carrying out the work. Crews are operating seven days a week, beginning at 7:00 a.m., with shifts of 12 hours or more as required. The multidisciplinary project team includes an Operations and Project Manager, heavy equipment operators, boat captains, a dive master, commercial divers, underwater welders, lifting and rigging operators, a civil engineer and other technical personnel.
The removal effort is being conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 17 November 2025 between the Minister of the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Hon. Julian Fraser, the Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) Managing Director John Samuel and RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster.
Under the arrangement, the Ministry of the Environment oversees environmental matters while VISMA acts as Receiver of Wrecks for the Territory, with the RDA responsible for full-cycle project management and procurement. RDA CEO Anthony McMaster said, "This project demonstrates the value of coordinated action in addressing long-standing challenges within our harbours.
Through careful planning and collaboration with key stakeholders, we are advancing work that contributes to a safer, more functional Sea Cows Bay Harbour." For residents and harbour users, removal of derelict vessels reduces collision and grounding risks for commercial and recreational boats, lowers pollution and debris hazards to marine life, and restores navigational channels that fishermen, ferry operators and tourist boat operators rely on.
The work also supports the Territory’s wider aims to protect coastal ecosystems and maintain safe waterways for tourism and local livelihoods. The RDA says all operations follow established environmental, safety and disposal protocols to ensure responsible outcomes. Members of the public with concerns about the project may use the Agency’s Grievance Redress System by emailing complaints@bvirecovery.vg.
General communications can be directed to communications@bvirecovery.vg and further information is available on www.bvirecovery.vg.
Primary source: BVI Government