The U.S. Coast Guard in Puerto Rico will allow the return of two cargo ships barred from San Juan for allegedly blocking a vital shipping lane if they come up with a better mooring plan, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said Thursday.
The 210-foot-long, 46-foot-wide Water Spirit 2, and the 205-foot-long, 46-foot-wide Admiral Pride were both warned and then fined by the Coast Guard after they partially obstructed the narrow San Antonio Channel within the San Juan Harbor on May 1, officials said last week.
The ships started using a different wharf after their regular docking area was moved, Bryan said.
Photos released by the Coast Guard appear to show the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel.
“The issue at hand is strictly related to the location being used for loading and off-loading operations following changes at the marina facility,” Bryan said in a written statement.
The two vessels serviced the U.S. and British Virgin Islands regularly, hauling everything from cars to frozen food between St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, and San Juan.
A diagram released by the Coast Guard shows the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
Both shipping companies were in the process of retaining a marine surveyor to conduct necessary assessments and provide the documentation required by the Coast Guard, Bryan said.
“Once the survey is completed and accepted by the Coast Guard, the vessels should be able to resume shipments and regular service to Puerto Rico,” he said. “There are a number of possible options available, and we remain committed to working with all parties involved to ensure continued marine transportation and commerce between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.”
Government House announced the Coast Guard meeting Monday, saying Bryan had hoped to secure an arrangement where the ships could continue to dock in San Juan while a permanent solution was found. Such a variance agreement did not appear to have been reached, according to Government House, but Bryan said if an agreement isn’t reached soon, the Virgin Islands government would step in to help.
“ … the Government of the Virgin Islands will work collaboratively with the vessel operators, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and the United States Coast Guard to identify an alternative suitable docking location,” a statement from Government House said.
