An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Press Release | Oct. 16, 2023

Update: Weekend salvage operations successful for Bonnie G Response off St. Thomas

Editor's Note: Email bonniegresponse@gmail.com for all inquiries.  

Find all U.S. Coast Guard Southeast imagery on Dvids

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas - Bonnie G Response crews had successful salvage and dive operations over the weekend off Cyril E. King Airport.  

Divers and salvors located the anchor that broke off the vessel on Oct. 4, during Tropical Storm Philippe. The anchor was recovered Monday.   

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts completed their marine environmental assessment and determined vessel operations are not impacting coral in the area. Divers deployed, Sunday, to recover debris on the on the ocean floor. Approximately, 2,500 lbs. of debris was recovered.  

Pollution responders continue working to remove any oil contained in the vessel. As of Oct. 15, approximately 2,100 gallons of contained oil was removed. No sheen or discharge is currently visible outside the vessel.  

DonJon-Smit and the responsible party are bringing in the Harvey Challenger, an offshore supply vessel from Port Fourchon, Lousiana. It is scheduled to rendezvous with the Bonnie G on Oct. 22 to begin removing the fuel.  

The Bonnie G Response incident commander and response crews are tracking storm system Invest 94L and heavy weather plans are being prepared.    

The Bonnie G, a 195-foot Vanuatu-flagged “ro-ro” cargo vessel and can hold a maximum of 119,450 gallons of fuel, and the maximum oil is 4,219 gallons. The vessel was carrying six cars, a truck, a trailer and two pallets of cargo.   

To read the previous releases related to this response, please visit our newsroom.   

To keep updated on the latest information please follow us on X (formally Twitter) @USCGSoutheast or on Facebook @U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan.