The Wreck of the Rhone National Park was closed to visitors until further notice after a cargo ship ran aground in the area, according to a statement from the National Parks Trust.
The Tropic Sun, a 400-foot cargo ship owned by Tropical Shipping, ran aground at about 10:00 p.m. Sunday while en route from Tortola to St. Martin, said Chris Haycraft, managing director of Island Shipping, Tropical’s agent in the Virgin Islands.
The Rhone itself appeared to be undamaged, said Kevin Rowlette, the owner of Husky Salvage and Towing, one of the firms enlisted to assess the damage caused by the incident.
“It hasn’t made contact with the Rhone, from what we could see,” he said. “It’s right in the area, but it’s not in contact with the wreck.”
There was some damage to the ship’s hull, but there were no visible leaks or other imminent danger of pollution, he added.
“It has done damage to the reef and the rock structures in the area,” Mr. Rowlette said.
Police, along with the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, are investigating the incident, said Police Information Officer Diane Drayton.
For the full story please see the Sept. 1, 2011 edition.