I have lost count of the number of ferry boats that have run aground here. Each one has something in common- hitting a well-known, well-marked reef. Once again we have the Royal Miss Belmar high aground on Steven's Cay with 98 passengers and 4 crew aboard last night around 10 PM. Good grief. Now you see why I am so worried when I paddle. There is one and only one reason a ferry would hit Steven's Cay, and that is just not paying attention. Period.

Last night was the final night of Carnival on St. John, and I'm sure the boat was making a special run to carry the extra guests to and from St. Thomas and St. John. It will be interesting to see the toxicology results. Usually the boat, which we call the "Vomit Comet" runs between St. Thomas and St. Croix, about 35 miles each way.

Here's a pic of the Miss Belmar at dock just so you can see how big she is.

http://virginislandsdailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1077648!/image/2021672611.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/2021672611.jpg

Your only hope in a kayak would be that you went between the two hulls! By the way, I have always pondered the way this boat sits so low in the back. Perhaps they did an engine swap and didn't account for the added weight? It doesn't really look right, especially when the waterline is very visibly askew! It isn't foreshortening of the image from the camera. The boat sits extremely low in the back.

Here is the story so far:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/news/coast-guard-and-good-samaritan-crew-rescue-102-people-from-grounded-usvi-ferry