SAINT THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — A Coast Guard Boat Forces U.S. Virgin Islands 33-foot Special Purpose Craft surface unit responded to a vessel grounding in the vicinity of Christmas Cove, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Thursday.
Sector San Juan Rescue-Subcenter watchstanders received a VHF Channel 16 marine radio communication at 8 a.m., Thursday, from the sailing vessel Starlight reporting having a visual of the recreational vessel Cool Change, a 42-foot catamaran, which appeared to be aground and partially submerged. The Cool Change vessel captain, sole occupant onboard, was assisted by the recreational vessel Aquarius. No injuries were reported in this case.
Once on scene, the Boat Forces Unit crew confirmed the vessel Cool Change remains hard aground, partially submerged, and had sustained major damage to the port bow. They also reported sheening in the water around the vessel covering an area of approximately 100 by 50 yards. The vessel operator reported that the fuel tanks had approximately 260 combined gallons of diesel fuel onboard.
The Boat Forces Unit crew embarked the captain of the vessel Cool Change, who was then transferred to a nearby ferry.
Sector San Juan Incident Management Division personnel are coordinating with the responsible party/vessel representative, who is planning arrangements to contract a vessel salvor to address the pollution threat and vessel removal.
Boaters and people are advised to stay away from the vessel Cool Change as this is an active response site and the pollution threat has not yet been contained.
Coast Guard uniformed personnel in the performance of their duties provide essential services to control, secure, and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce vital to economic prosperity, and respond to crises or contingencies.