Christiansted Harbor News

Grounded Vessel Refloated without Pollution

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan and Resident Inspection Office St. Croix crews are assessing the condition of the 221-foot cargo ship MV Commander, after it successfully refloated Saturday afternoon from Round Reef, where it grounded Friday night just outside Christiansted Harbor in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The Commander is safely anchored in the vicinity of Protestant Cay in Christiansted. Initial underwater assessments have identified that the Commander’s two rudders are missing. Besides minor scratches there appears to be no major damage to the vessels’ hull.

Cargo Ship Refloated After Reef Grounding, Rudders Lost

Coast Guard marine casualty investigators are investigating the cause of the recent grounding of the 'MV Commander' on Round Reef just outside Christiansted Harbor in the US Virgin Islands. Initial underwater assessments have identified that the Commander’s two rudders are missing. Besides minor scratches there appears to be no major damage to the vessels’ hull. No sign of oil pollution leaking from the vessel or in the surrounding area has been identified and the vessel does not present a threat to the environment at this time.