FALLEN TREE REMOVED FROM WATER DAYS AFTER FATAL ACCIDENT

The large tamarind tree trunk at the centre of the March 22 fatal boating accident near Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke has been removed from the water six years after hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The old tree was excavated by a six-man crew on March 27. The 15-minute project was organised jointly by Second Electoral District Representative Melvin Mitch Turnbull of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and members of the community.

Over the years, angry residents made several unsuccessful appeals to the relevant authorities to have the trunk excavated for the safety of boaters.

American Owen Safford died on March 22 when the dingy he was captaining crashed into the tree which was in the vicinity of Foxy’s Bar on Jost Van Dyke. The tree had fallen in the water during hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Thirty-three-year-old Stafford from North Carolina was on vacation in the territory when the accident occurred shortly before midnight.

Stafford was found unresponsive in the water and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Investigations are ongoing, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have confirmed.