Safety drill nearly closes ferry dock

What if they closed the Cruz Bay dock and didn't tell many people?

Well, that's close to what happened when the government and local do-good groups helped observe National Safe Boating week. To make way for safety demonstrations, an aerial rescue in the Sound, and waters ports, the Cruz Bay pier was closed last Saturday to all but ferries.

So besides some confused, frustrated and even angry locals as well as visitors , Safe Boating activities got underway.  The most exciting was a a helicopter rescue demonstration.

Front and center, of course, was St. John Rescue, a group of tireless, unpaid volunteers.  Members are quick to respond on land and sea when there's trouble – a good thing since a police presence and ambulance services are so minimal.  Other participants in the training and demonstrations included the Coast Guard, National Park Service, and U.S.Power Squadron.

Bob Schlesinger of Tropical Focus was on hand and provided these photos. 

• You can see more of Bob's work at http://www.stjohnweddingphotographer.com/