Removal of derelict vessels will soon get under way in West End, according to Raman Bala, receiver of wrecks and acting director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry.
Mr. Bala said the boats will be removed in accordance with the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act of 2018, adding that in August notices were affixed to about 300 vessels around the territory that appeared to be abandoned. The list of boats was published in the Gazette.
“The owners were requested to contact the VISR and remove the vessels within 60 days from the date of the notice, failing which the act considers the vessels to be abandoned and the receiver could dispose the vessels as necessary,” he said in a press release. “The notice period is now over and the removal process will be conducted soon as possible.”
Mr. Bala added that out of some 300 vessels identified, about 120 have been removed.
About 36 of the remaining 180 are in West End, he said.
Their location coordinates and other information can be viewed online at https://tinyurl.com/y96pn5z5.
For more information, the receiver of wrecks can be contacted at 468-9646 or 368- 9646 or via email at vishipping@gov.vg.
“[VISR] is committed to ensuring that Virgin Islands’ ships can safely, securely and efficiently enjoy the freedom of the seas and support a vigorous and effective maritime administration,” the press release stated.