After sitting vacant for years, the seaplane ramp in Watergut is again bustling with aviation activity.
Monday was the first day that Seaborne Virgin Islands Inc. operated its two aircraft from the renovated site just west of Christiansted. Before the move, the seaplane operation was ticketing, boarding and deplaning its passengers at King’s Alley.
"Ninety percent of the people, if not more, like the new location," Seaborne president Maurice Kurg said. "We still have some improvements to do, but it’s obviously an improvement."
In about two months, Kurg said, the company will begin construction on a permanent hangar and passenger facility by the Watergut ramp. The site was used by Antilles Airboats until Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
In the meantime, the new location means shorter taxi times on the water, which will cut about three minutes from each flight, and convenient parking in two adjacent government lots.
"We’re certainly happy with the move and with passenger reaction," Kurg said. "And people can park right next to the ramp."
Seaborne currently flies 11 to 14 daily round-trips between St. Croix and St. Thomas. Kurg said a Seaborne employee would remain at the King’s Alley ticket booth for a few days to guide passengers to the new facility.
