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PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Maurice Lake is calling on mariners whose vessels were damaged during the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo three weeks ago to remove the vessels from inland waterways and lagoons, and to clean up debris.
"I've observed some of the vessels that partially sank or were blown ashore have been removed within the Simpson Bay Lagoon. However, there are still a number of vessels that are partially underwater or sitting onshore. I am appealing to the owners of the vessels to make arrangements to have these vessels removed as soon as possible," Lake said on Sunday.
Nature Foundation noted in an assessment after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo that some three dozen boats had sunk and that there was significant debris such as wood, fibreglass and other solid materials. The assessment stated that there was also some significant fuel in the water, both diesel and gasoline. Motor oil also was present.
The boat owners whose vessels are submerged partially or those near the shoreline should check whether fuel is still onboard and have it removed in a responsible manner prior to moving the vessels.
The minister's appeal is in line with Nature Foundation's recommendation from its first assessment report that wrecked vessels be removed as soon as possible to further reduce the introduction of fuel into the environment of Simpson Bay Lagoon and Oyster Pond.
Lake wants mariners to come together to help clean up hurricane related or other debris from the shorelines in the inland waterways and lagoons.
"We have tourist season coming up and we should also have our waterways and lagoons clean of debris associated with the maritime sector. I think this is something that could be coordinated by the maritime sector. We had a national cleanup on land. Now we need the maritime sector to follow suit and I am looking forward to seeing this come together within [a short time – Ed.]," Lake said.
