CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Two boats anchored too closely together in Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas drew the attention of authorities Sunday morning who said the people and boats did not follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.
The people in the water, owners of the two boats involved, were given warnings and asked to separate after the incident occurred early Sunday morning, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
“This is not acceptable behavior in our waters,” the VIPD said. “Please follow the rules, and practice social distancing. The rules also apply to boats.”
The Virgin Islands government said Department of Planning and Natural Resource (DPNR) marine patrol, the VIPD and the Virgin Islands Department of Health are on the lookout for people who violate recommended social distancing guidelines, whether they are on land or at sea.
Meanwhile, a Cowpet Bay man said he wasn’t so lucky with a health inspector. Charlie Knape, who lives aboard the Classy Lady, said a Virgin Islands Department of Health inspector gave him a $1,000 ticket for not wearing a face mask 20 minutes after he bought a pizza at sea.
A string of about 20 yachts anchored too closely together in Magen’s Bay occurred in the second week of October, according to social media reports.
“This occurred in Magen’s Bay yesterday and was addressed,” the VIPD concluded on Twitter.