The devastated US Virgin island has already been cut off from main water supplies, electricity and gas
TOURISTS trapped on the hurricane-ravaged island of St Thomas say they were left stranded when a Marriott rescue ship refused to let non-guests board - even though they had "200 spare seats".
As the 175mph winds approached the Caribbean resort, those left stuck on the dock turned to social media to vent their anger as the boat departed.
The ship arrived and disappeared in the dark leaving dozens stranded
Naomi Ayala was one of around 35 people on the devastated US Virgin Island, much of which had been cut off from main water supplies, electricity and gas.
In a video showing the departing ship she can be heard saying: "This was a decision of Marriott who did not let us get on this boat so we could get on flights home.
"Instead we have to ride out Hurricane Jose when we just went through Hurricane Irma a few days ago.
"We don't have food or water, we are stranded."
She later discovered the rescue boat - the Ferrie Del Caribe - could reportedly hold 1,800 passengers.
Amanda Bentley was also holidaying on the island when she was turned away from the boat.
She "The Marriott of St Thomas turned away people to leave the island because they weren't hotel guests.
"They chartered a boat that held plenty of people and only took their guests, refusing to allow anyone else to board. They just left them at the pier."
In response to the claims, Marriott said there was a "tight window" to pick up passengers.
A spokesman told the Mirror: "On Friday, Marriott was able to secure a ferry to transport about 600 of our guests from St Thomas to Puerto Rico.
"These were guests who had to stay behind after the airport closed in advance of Hurricane Irma.
"The ferry departed St Thomas Friday, September 8, with the Marriott guests on board.
"There were a number of additional people gathered at the dock who were not our guests who also expressed a desire to leave St Thomas.
"We very much wanted to assist these other travellers to Puerto Rico, however, the Marriott team on the ground was told they had no authorisation to board additional passengers.
"With Hurricane Jose on a path to St Thomas, the ferry had a tight window to pick up passengers and safely depart.
"As a company, Marriott places a priority on the safety and security of our guests, but we also have a long tradition of looking out for the greater community.
"In this case, we weren’t able to help and as grateful as we are that we were able to transport our guests, we are saddened that we were not able to do the same for more people.
"We continue to work with local authorities in St Thomas to help support the relief efforts there."
