Philipsburg: -- The MV Karma caught fire on Saturday; the cause of the fire is still unknown stated owner of the boat Robbie Lawrence.
In a statement, Lawrence said they lost a familiar face when the catastrophic fire began on board starting in the engine room, which he said spread quickly throughout the engine room, wheelhouse and accommodations areas, destroying them quickly. Lawrence said they would be able to get on board the boat sometime soon where they would be able to closely inspect the damage.
The crew of the Tug Culpepper and the personnel of the St. Maarten ports authority have his utmost appreciation and respect for the quick response in assisting the vessel and crew. He also thanked the crew of the Cutter Poema and the St. Maarten Fire Brigade.
It is because of these people that the damage was limited to the vessel and did not impact Great Bay harbor.
The M/V Karma has been a staple in the inter-island trade for close to thirty years and was usually the first vessel available to assist St. Maarten and the surrounding island immediately after the passing of major hurricanes.
Many will remember the first delivery of ice and fresh bread to the island immediately after hurricane Luis in 95 and the delivery of ice, bread and water to Saba after Hurricane George.
The loss of the M/V Karma is the end of an era and sadly not the way this grand old lady should have gone out.
It is anticipated that arrangements will be made to allow the weekly service to the U.S and British Virgin Islands to continue, Lawrence said.
