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Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCommunityNational ParkNPS Seeking Displaced Vessel Owners of Numerous Hurricane-Damaged Vessels

NPS Seeking Displaced Vessel Owners of Numerous Hurricane-Damaged Vessels

More wrecked boats, these at Coral Bay.
More wrecked boats — these at Coral Bay.

The National Park Service (NPS) is working in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address damaged vessels that have been displaced due to recent hurricane activity. 

NPS crews are working to obtain a count and locate owners of displaced vessels within the boundaries of the Caribbean National Parks.  Crews are also searching for and marking underwater debris that may create a navigation hazard.  At this time, approximately 180 vessels have been identified, with an unknown amount that may be submerged.  Most displaced vessels are located at St. John, Virgin Islands.

The displaced vessels resulting from recent hurricanes pose a threat to the environment and to the public.  Any vessel that may be polluting the water or beach by leaking gasoline or fuel is a priority to safely remove, as well as vessels that may be hazards to navigation.

Prior to removal of any displaced vessel within park boundaries, vessel owners must contact NPS via email at caribbean_recovery@nps.gov or provide written information to the park directly at the incident command post located at the visitor center on St. John.  The following information is needed:

    Vessel registration number

    Vessel name

    Current owner name, email address, mailing address and phone

    Vessel location or moored location

    Date of removal or plan for removal

    Description of markings

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