Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) Maritime Department would like to inform mariners and other stakeholders that the Proselyte Reef/Man of War Shoals Marine Park marker buoy located south of Port St. Maarten is currently out of service as of Monday, October 23 rd , however it could be put back at its original location as soon as the weather permits or by Wednesday, October 25.
The buoy broke loose from its location possibly from the inclement weather with the passing of Hurricane Tammy. The buoy was reported on Monday to be adrift in the area of Back Bay.
On Monday morning the marker buoy was retrieved and towed back to Port St. Maarten.
The marker buoy is located at 17 degrees 59.35 minutes North and 063 degrees and 03.68 West.
The yellow and black buoy is known as a west cardinal marker with a white flashing light which flashes nine times every 10 seconds at night.
The buoy is located at a key transit route in and out of Port St. Maarten and marks the important protected location of the reef and marine park which is a habitat for different types of fish and coral species.
Ships are not allowed to anchor or transit and must go around the protected area which is marked by the buoy.
