UPDATE: ‘The heat & smoke were overwhelming’- Eyewitness to fire at Pirates
The gentleman who told us he is a boat captain and does sailing tours daily in that area, said he was on his boat near Norman Island on the morning of Tuesday, October 1, 2013 with two guests on their honeymoon.
He reported that one of the guests told him they were smelling smoke around 7:00 AM which resulted in him doing a full search of his boat. He told this news site he was on his way into Bight Bay on Norman Island, but a few feet out he and his guests heard loud popping sounds and noticed smoke coming from the Pirates Restaurant close to the bay.
He suddenly noticed that the restaurant was on fire and the heat and smoke became overwhelming so he had to turn back and stay many feet out in the bay close to Willie T.
The eyewitness told us that he believed the popping sounds came from rum bottles in the refrigerator that burst as a result of the extreme heat. He admitted that the smell of the fire fumes was also extremely overwhelming.
He also related that the smoke was too much and could have been seen from miles away. The eyewitness told our newsroom that he was also happy that no one was injured in the fire and it is sad as the restaurant was getting ready to open for the winter season.
To date the cause of the fire that destroyed the entire Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar and Gift Shop on Norman Island and burnt it to the ground is still unknown as of October 2, 2013.
Norman Island is located at the southern tip of the Virgin Islands archipelago. It is reputed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's pirate novel Treasure Island.
See previous story posted October 1, 2013:
UPDATE: Pirates Bight's fire leaves void for tourists for winter ahead- Premier Smith
- Said destruction of popular establishment will leave a void for visitors for the winter ahead
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The destruction of the Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar and Gift Shop on Norman Island by fire earlier today, October 1, 2013 will leave a void for visitors to the territory for the winter ahead, said Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.
According to reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online, no one was injured in the blaze but the establishment was severely damaged.
Premier Smith said he was saddened by the reports of the fire that destroyed the restaurant that has become a leading eatery for residents and visitors alike, especially water-based visitors.
"It will definitely leave a void for our visitors for the winter ahead, but I am confident that the establishment will rise above this misfortune and reopen its doors to serve residents and visitors once again," Premier Smith said in a statement issued by Government Information Service (GIS).
"My Government is asking the Territory to join us as we pray God’s blessings on the establishment and its many employees during this period of unexpected challenge and transition," he stated in the release.
See previous article posted October 1, 2013
Fire razes popular restaurant on Norman Island
-Pirates Bight Restaurant, Bar & Gift Shop destroyed
An early morning fire today, Tuesday October 1, 2013 destroyed the popular Pirates Bight restaurant and bar on Norman Island.
According to reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online, no one was injured but the establishment was severely damaged.
Chief Fire Officer, Zebalon McLean confirmed the incident to Virgin Islands News Online when contacted. He said the Department of Fire Services received the call about the fire at 7:18 A.M.
“My guys are out there doing the investigations right now,” Mr McLean stated and added he could not release any further details until he was in receipt of an official report from the investigating team on Norman Island.
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