Cargo Vessel Grounds in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

A cargo ship called the Bonnie G, flying the flag of Vanuatu, has run aground in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands due to adverse weather conditions. The incident occurred on October 4, 2023, and the ship became submerged, prompting the crew to abandon ship. Fortunately, all twelve crew members were rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard boat crew with no reported injuries. However, there are concerns about potential environmental damage as the ship is carrying over 13,000 gallons of fuel and oil.

The U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a rescue mission after receiving distress signals from the Bonnie G, which reported taking on water in the engine room. The coast guard issued an urgent marine briefing to warn other ships in the area, and a specialized boat crew successfully rescued the survivors and transported them to safety.

The Coast Guard is now focused on assessing and managing the environmental risks associated with the grounded ship. The vessel carries a significant amount of fuel and lubricating oil, as well as several vehicles and cargo. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, and measures will be taken to remove potentially hazardous chemicals and protect the pristine waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Overall, the Bonnie G’s grounding was a close call, but the Coast Guard was able to safely rescue the crew. Efforts are underway to prevent any pollution and mitigate the environmental impact of the incident.

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