Tropic-Express Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a remarkable display of teamwork, the crew of the Coast Guard's MH-65 Dolphin helicopter collaborated with the merchant vessel "Tropic Express" to successfully rescue two distressed boaters whose dinghy sank off the coast of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This daring rescue took place on June 5, 2016, approximately 42 nautical miles northeast of the island. The two individuals had set sail earlier that afternoon from Saint Thomas aboard their 45-foot recreational powerboat, "Live Wire." Unfortunately, they soon found their vessel taking on water at an alarming rate, ultimately forcing them to escape onto an eight-foot dinghy. The situation escalated when Coast Guard watchstanders at the Sector San Juan Rescue Sub-Center received an emergency alert via a 406 MHz Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) at around 6:20 p.m. Thanks to the quick action of the boaters, the Coast Guard launched a rescue helicopter from Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and commanded the Coast Guard Cutter "Joseph Napier" and a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement vessel to the scene. In addition to deploying their rescue assets, the Coast Guard transmitted an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, urging nearby mariners to stay vigilant for signs of distress. Upon arrival, the aerial crew utilized the EPIRB signal and VHF-Channel 16 to communicate with the boaters. Their efforts bore fruit when they spotted a flare shot from the dinghy, leading them directly to the stranded men. As the Coast Guard helicopter maintained a watchful presence overhead, the crew directed the "Tropic Express," which happened to be en route from St. Barth to St. Croix, to assist in the operation. The merchant vessel deftly approached the dinghy and successfully brought the two boaters aboard. They are now being safely transported to Anguilla in the British Lesser Antilles. Lieutenant Jacob Conrad, co-pilot of the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, commended the boaters for their preparedness. "It could have ended much differently for the two gentlemen, but they made sure they had all the proper safety equipment before they got underway, and it no doubt saved their lives," he stated. The collaborative rescue efforts showcased the vital role of safety equipment and the unwavering support of fellow mariners in times of crisis.

Tropical Shipping is set to enhance its operations in the Bahamas with the introduction of a cutting-edge $14 million vessel, measuring 348 feet in length. The official launch of this new ship, named Tropic Express, is scheduled for August 15 at the Port of Palm Beach, with an anticipated turnout of several hundred guests, including Tropical employees. According to Mr. Pellicci, the Tropic Express has the capacity to carry 368 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and is designed as a shallow draft container ship, facilitating the transportation of both dry goods and refrigerated containers between Florida and the Bahamas. The vessel is equipped to achieve a service speed of 12.5 knots, marking a significant advancement in Tropical Shipping's fleet capabilities. For more details, visit http://www.tribune242.com/business/08022011_Tropical_business_Page2-2.