The U.S. Coast Guard Monday rescinded an order barring two Virgin Islands cargo ships from docking in San Juan after allegedly blocking a narrow but vital water shipping lane, Government House officials said.
The Water Spirit 2 — which delivers cargo between St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan — and the Admiral Pride — which transports cargo between Tortola and San Juan — had been prohibited from docking in San Juan Harbor since May 1, when the Coast Guard cited the 210-foot-long, 46-foot-wide vessels for blocking the San Antonio Channel with mooring lines.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with Coast Guard officials May 20 in hopes of finding a way to keep the shipments going but Coast Guard commanders said a solid new docking plan was needed first.
The ships started using a different wharf — Pier 14 — after their regular docking area was moved, Bryan said. Photos released by the Coast Guard appear to show the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel used by some of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Bryan said the ships would now use Pier 10.
“I appreciate the United States Coast Guard for their willingness to work with us to address this matter while balancing maritime safety and the traditional commerce between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico which has existed for decades,” he said.
