Clueless powerboat operator savages Johnson Reef

Coconuts · Post by **Coconuts** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 6:17 pm

Anyone with even the faintest idea of VI navigational hazards or basic seamanship knows to steer clear of the very well marked and lit Johnsons Reef (that patch of whitecaps out about half a kilometer past Trunk Cay). Well, not this guy. Kudos to the person on the beach who spotted this and got the VINP out there in time to nab him. I had been meaning to kayak out there and snorkel the reef, and still intend to, but alas, it will be shy at least eight elk horn coral heads, with a 400 foot long swath of damage (essentially, straight across the whole reef). Rather than cut his engines and wait for help, or even turn around and try to leave the way he came, it appears that he powered his way all the way across the reef, coral be damned.

http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/ind ... -grounding

: Johnsons Reef

That sucks,

Kevin

Myheart'sinSTJ · Post by **Myheart'sinSTJ** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 6:29 pm

What an irresponsible IDIOT!!!

I hope he gets what he deserves, he probably doesn't even realize it took seconds to wreck what took years to grow...very sad.

Ron in South Texas · Post by **Ron in South Texas** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 9:00 pm

I was in a dingy with my 2 boys and found myself over the same reef. Luckily, my oldest son saw the reef and I pulled up the prop just in time. We paddled toward Trunk Bay making sure we didn't hit any coral. Once we cleared the reef, I dropped the prop and we made our way to the beach. I would have been devastated if I damaged any part of the reef and I'm so glad my son had an eye out.

mnfun2bme · Post by **mnfun2bme** » Wed Aug 21, 2013 9:40 pm

Now that is sad news.

northerngal · Post by **northerngal** » Sun Aug 25, 2013 9:33 pm

What a Jerk! Take that. Boat away from him!!!

Marcia (Mrs. Pete) · Post by **Marcia (Mrs. Pete)** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:08 pm

The missing piece of this story is WHY did the 43 foot boat drive right through the well marked reef? Was the operator incapacitated in some way?

Around these here parts, if someone gets into a vehicular accident (on roads, water, snow or ice~yes, we live where there are frozen lakes and snow mobile trails) the first question asked after an accident is: what was the condition of the operator of the vehicle?

It is widely accepted that those who operate boats are allowed to be drinking while doing so. Much like driving around STJ with open intoxicants...no biggie. However, you are not supposed to be intoxicated.

What is the deal with this person who rammed into the reef? Why isn't that reported at all? "John Doe suffered a massive heart attack as he approached the reef and ..." or, "Field sobriety tests indicate that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash."

Just curious why that isn't reported in this story.

usvi-on-line