Hurricane Omar Leaves his mark on St. Croix US Virgin Islands

Hurricane Omar passed our way about ten days ago and St. Croix US Virgin Islands continues in the recovery.  Personally, I have not received electricity or phone service, but I am blessed to have a generator. It takes work to run, but it helps. Well on to photography; as a photographer I am continuously documenting major events in our lives and Hurricane Omar’s visit is no exception. I decided to venture out one day to travel from west to east, aka, Frederiksted to Christiansted.

 The west end of the island where I live did not suffer much structural damage, except for our lovely trees and the telephone/electrical poles and wires. The east end of the island, in particular the boating community suffered greatly.  Over 40 vessels/boats were damaged or destroyed. The pier in Christiansted on the east end of the island was also damaged. The photographs showcases some of the destruction of “Hurricane Omar.” While I was photographing the boats my mind wondered off thinking about the dining room in the movie, “The Titanic” as I saw various objects floating in the partially submerged boats, “What a sight!” I definitely felt sorry for the boat owners.

 While photographing I met two guys and their dog, “Brown Dog” on their boat.  Robert, the owner of the boat proceeded to tell me about their horror story of ridding out the Hurricane in their boat. He stated that all three of them (including “Brown Dog”) thought they were doing alright until they heard a big bang – the boat had knocked against the pier. They survived; however there is a big gash on the side of the boat just above the water line.  We’re glad they made it.          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 My last stop in Christiansted was to visit the fallen, “Mahogany Tree” that Joel Tutein, National Park Service Superintendent spoke about on the radio. As I looked around for the tree who should I find -  Joel Tutein.  I asked him, “Where is THE mahogany tree?” and he proudly said, “Come, I will show you.”  It was located right on the grounds of the Danish fort, “Fort Christiansvaern.”  He stated that the tree was there for many years and he will miss it. For more photographs and cultural  information on the Virgin Islands visit http://www.homelandcollections.com   Denise Bennerson, Photographer