ISLAND SCOUT

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Island Scout released after settlement of salvage costs

The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI has reached a successful resolution regarding the 'Island Scout”. The cost of the salvage of the vessel from Great Bay has been settled. The vessel, was initially beached on Great Bay during the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which later intensified into a hurricane, was salvaged and brought to Port St. Maarten, after which VROMI issued a liability notice to the owner, requiring them to cover the cost associated with the salvage as mandated by the National Ordinance for the removal of ships and wrecks. An agreement was reached with JWvanStee, a maritime service company responsible for managing the salvage and overseeing the towage to the port. An official inspection to certify the vessel’s fitness for towage was conducted at Port St. Maarten. The owner subsequently committed to pay all costs related to the operation, totalling just under US $70,000. This payment was made one day before the deadline on Oct 15, effectively preventing the sale of the vessel. Following the confirmation of the payment, Minister Patrice Gumbs of VROMI officially lifted the liability notice, restoring ownership and control of the “Island Scout” to its owner. With the settlement completed, country St. Maarten authorized the departure , and the ship sailed on Oct 19.