Gov’t urges vigilance amidst rising marine activity
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) in the Premier’s Office said in a press release issued on February 4 that it is calling on all operators in the North Sound area to prioritise safety as activity continues to rise across the Virgin Islands.
According to the release, Virgin Gorda (North and South), Norman Island, Cooper Island and Jost Van Dyke are experiencing heavy traffic, with charter vessels, private boats, dinghies, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts sharing the same waters.
“In these busy conditions, decisions such as maintaining a safe speed, keeping a proper lookout, staying situationally aware, and ensuring that the captain is sober, can make the difference between a safe day on the water and a serious incident,” Jerome Padmore, Chief Marine Accident Investigator, warned.
He referenced a fatal accident in the North Sound in 2024 involving a dinghy and a yacht tender, describing it as a reminder that safety must remain a priority on every journey.
Padmore also warned that recent reports have raised concerns about vessels operating at excessive speeds in confined areas, moving too quickly through mooring fields and anchoring in ways that block safe passage.
“These actions increase risks, particularly where there are water sports, swimmers, and resort tenders frequently moving between the channel and other areas, especially at night when visibility is reduced, and vessel movements can be unpredictable,” he added.
The Authority reminded operators, captains and charter companies of their obligations under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping Act 2001 and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. These include maintaining a proper lookout, proceeding at a safe speed and taking early action to avoid danger.
Mariners were specifically urged to operate at controlled speeds of five knots within channels and mooring fields, display proper lighting at night, avoid high-speed transit through confined areas and remain vigilant for swimmers, paddlers and low-profile craft.
“Reporting is crucial for identifying safety trends and preventing future harm, and it is vital for protecting everyone who uses our waters,” Padmore stated, reminding operators that all marine accidents and incidents must be reported under the Merchant Shipping Act 2001.
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“reminding operators that all marine accidents and incidents must be reported under the Merchant Shipping Act 2001”
And then what? Nobody is ever held accountable. This is a country-wide issue, but as it pertains to boating Frandi Martin was killed and both captains are free; Jblax lost his daughter and the captain of that boat is free; in 2024 there was a fatal accident in the North Sound and will someone be held accountable. And these are just the fatal accidents…
Y’all didn’t seem concerned during Corona lockdown
When speeds boats up and about all kinda hours doing you know what.
. instead you paid a slow barge to stay out in the sun for hours wasting tax money. Some of the barges never even go deployed
I mean most of the speeders are young individuals with unexplained explosive wealth. But our infamous Financial services don’t seem to pay much mind to them. We ever had a case of money laundering making the news? Hardly ever despite you know what goes on a lot around here.
So keep yah notice to yah self unless you plan to target the true offenders I doubt them even got captain license. Check their snap or party girls snap and you will they even got party women with no experience operating their speed boats from fun going down willy t
smh
Do you mean everyone has to get ready to get out of the way of the powerful go fast boats that come screaming into and out of anchorages and ports and through mooring fields.
Odd they can have thousands of dollars of multiple engines but the lights don’t work adding to the danger levels.
One managed to flip before getting out of Road Harbor.
Time to get the barges back and start chasing these guys. Ha ha ha ha.
Enforcement of the laws. No chance. This is the VI where Gov vehicles had illegal tint and the corrupt workers at the DMV passing illegal tinted cars every day. Someone getting rich.
Buzzbvi..you been around a while.The day when Gizmo and Miller get thrown out of Lady Commander and the boat went out of Road Harbour and come back and back and run up the land by the Moorings?That incident in the late 80s?Rip Miller