Office of the Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES --------0-------- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES 4611 Tutu Park Mall 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted Suite 300, 2nd Floor St. Croix, VI 00840 St. Thomas, VI 00802 (340) 773-1082 (340) 774-3320 dpnr.vi.gov Contact: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov November 15, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DPNR ANNOUNCES REMOVAL OF GROUNDED VESSEL “SHAMELES” FROM ST. THOMAS WATERFRONT Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the sailing vessel “Shameles” (Registration # NO-905471), which had been grounded on the waterfront apron area of St. Thomas since August 14, 2024, has now been successfully removed. The vessel broke away from its anchor during the last hurricane and became lodged on the promenade, creating both navigational and environmental concerns. After extensive coordination, the removal was completed at no cost to the Government, as expenses were covered by the vessel owner’s insurance company. …
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Office of the Commissioner GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES --------0-------- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES 4611 Tutu Park Mall 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted Suite 300, 2nd Floor St. Croix, VI 00840 St. Thomas, VI 00802 (340) 773-1082 (340) 774-3320 dpnr.vi.gov Contact: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov November 15, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DPNR ANNOUNCES REMOVAL OF GROUNDED VESSEL “SHAMELES” FROM ST. THOMAS WATERFRONT Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the sailing vessel “Shameles” (Registration # NO-905471), which had been grounded on the waterfront apron area of St. Thomas since August 14, 2024, has now been successfully removed. The vessel broke away from its anchor during the last hurricane and became lodged on the promenade, creating both navigational and environmental concerns. After extensive coordination, the removal was completed at no cost to the Government, as expenses were covered by the vessel owner’s insurance company. Significant delays were due to inadequate water quality due to a number of collapsed lines causing releases in a nearby outfall. Once the Waste Management Authority addressed the line issues and the water quality improved, it became safe for the Contractor to enter the water to do the work. Above and Below Marine Services were contracted to carry out the removal operation. The vessel was dismantled in sections along the waterfront apron, and then the sections were destroyed at the DPNR facility located at Krum Bay Boat Yard prior to safe and environmentally responsible disposal. Commissioner Oriol stated: “We are committed to maintaining the safety and beauty of our waterfront areas. The successful removal of ‘Shameles’ was long overdue, but the Department remained steadfast in ensuring that private obligations were met without incurring new costs to the people of the Virgin Islands.” For further information, please contact the DPNR Division of Environmental Enforcement at (340) 774-3320.