The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) formally named a new pilot boat in a ceremony on Friday, July 23.
The aluminium-hulled newbuild has been named Edmund Steele after a former VIPA marine terminal supervisor. It measures 33 by 10 feet (10 by three metres) and is powered by two Yamaha 300hp (223kW) outboard engines.
Edmund Steele will transport pilots to cruise ships, cargo vessels, and large yachts that require pilot assistance to enter the Virgin Islands' St Thomas/St John harbours.
The vessel was built by North River Boats of Roseburg, Oregon.
