Read Authentic Ratings for the Island-Scout

The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has announced a successful resolution regarding the salvage operations for the 'Island Scout.' This vessel found itself stranded on Great Bay during Tropical Storm Ernesto, which later escalated into a hurricane. After being salvaged and brought to Port St. Maarten, VROMI issued a liability notice to the vessel's owner, in accordance with the National Ordinance concerning the removal of ships and wrecks. A settlement was reached with JWvanStee, the maritime service company tasked with the salvage and towage operations. An inspection to confirm the vessel's seaworthiness for towage was carried out at Port St. Maarten. The owner pledged to cover all expenses incurred during this operation, amounting to just under $70,000. Notably, this payment was completed on October 15, just one day before the deadline, thereby averting the potential sale of the vessel. In light of the confirmed payment, Minister Patrice Gumbs of VROMI officially lifted the liability notice, reinstating ownership and control of the 'Island Scout' to its rightful owner. Following this resolution, St. Maarten granted permission for the vessel to depart, leading to its successful sail away on October 19.