St. Thomas Driver Dies After SUV Plunges Into Harbor; Passenger Survives Accident

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A man died of the injuries he suffered after the SUV he was driving went over the embankment on Veterans Drive and into the harbor on Thursday night. A female passenger in the vehicle survived.

The 911 Central Dispatch received a call at 9:47 p.m. Thursday, in reference to a vehicle going over the embankment on the waterfront, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

The 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers from the Richard N. Callwood Command to the scene to further investigate, according to the VIPD.

“Officers responded and met with a Hispanic female, who was an occupant inside of the vehicle that went over the embankment,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said. “The Hispanic female was transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center for further medical attention.”

The driver of the vehicle, a Hispanic male, was recovered from the vehicle and was unresponsive, police said. He had succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Identification of the deceased male is being withheld until contact can be made with his next of kin.

St. Thomas District, Acting Chief Steven Philip, thanked members in the community to include Government and private sector: The Chicken Man, St. Thomas Rescue, divers: Sgt. David Cannonier, Retired Sgt. Bernard Burke and K. Williams, Mr. Kevin Blakey of V.I. Marine Towing and Salvage, Public Works Commissioner Derrick Gabriel, and Edward Carmona for providing lights, and the Fire Department Hotel Company and Sherwyn Wrecker service.

Acting Chief Phillip concluded by saying,” to help a friend is a good thing, to help yourself is also good, but to help a stranger is amazing.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 or they can also contact 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. (800) 222-8477.