The island has already lost 1 1/2 YEARS of revenue by not removing the wrecks in a more timely manner. Sailors have stayed away from SXM in droves because of the lagoon conditions. Insurance companies have redlined SXM by prohibiting their insured vessels from visiting. All because the government has not acted to clean up the obvious mess. It is very sad indeed.
Would I be correct in saying that the owners of these vessels have already walked away from them? Assume that the owners had no insurance and hence have no way of paying for their removal? Would I also assume that any salvage cost will be billed to the owner? Despite being billed I assume the task of actually getting the money will be a task in itself.
