VI Port Authority Update

[Anthony]

For Immediate Release

October 14, 2008

VIPA UPDATES PUBLIC ON STATUS OF PORTS

Virgin Islands Port Authority Interim Executive Director Kenn Hobson wishes to advise the public on the status of its air and seaports in preparation for Tropical Storm Omar.

Seaports: The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a 2 a.m. closure of the St. Croix harbor on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 and 5 a.m. for St. Thomas harbor for all vessels over 200 gross tons. Please note that the U.S. Coast Guard - not the Virgin Islands Port Authority - is responsible for the closure and opening of the territory's seaports. Vessels wishing to remain in port must contact the Captain of the Port at the Sector San Juan Command Center at (787) 289-8653.

The Crown Princess cruise ship scheduled to berth at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal at Crown Bay on Thursday, October 16, 2008 has cancelled its visit due to the inclement weather. The next call to the Crown Bay cruise port will be on October 23, 2008 as scheduled.

Airports: The airports on St. Thomas and St. Croix will remain open today and tomorrow. The following flight information was made available to the Port Authority as of 5:00 p.m. today, October 14, 2008:

1. American Airlines: The Miami flight tonight is operating. Flights on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 will operate through 12 noon at which time a decision will be made on further operations.

2. American Eagle: All flights are operating tonight. Flights on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 will operate through 12 noon at which time a decision will be made on further operations.

3. Continental: Next scheduled flight is on Saturday, October 18, 2008; no cancellations.

4. Delta: Next scheduled flight is on Friday, October 17, 2008; no cancellations.

5. US Airways: No flights were scheduled for today, Oct. 14th. There is no cancellation thus far for their October 15, 2008 flight.

6. United: Next scheduled flight is on Saturday, October 18, 2008; no cancellations.

7. Cape Air: will operate the 8:50 a.m. St. Croix and the 9:50 a.m. San Juan on October 15th. Decisions to operate after 10 a.m. will be announced tomorrow.

8. Seaborne: no cancellations. However due to the closure of the harbors, flights for October 15th will be cancelled pending the reopening of the harbor by the U.S. Coast Guard.

All Port Authority employees should report to work at their regularly scheduled times tomorrow. The Port Authority will continue to update the public as it receives new information.

[mrscaptainjay]

I know the flight from MIA that was supposed to land at 2:30 was cancelled. The CYOA staff that has been at the boat show was supposed to be on that flight and now they are stuck in Miami.