The trees that cover the steep mountainsides - which were stripped bare by the strong winds - are green once again, the seas aqua blue.īut as the ferry pulls in to Cruz Bay, you begin to notice that several buildings lining the harbour are still damaged more than seven months after the storms. John from the water now, the United States Virgin Island at first appears untouched by hurricanes Irma and Maria. PUERTO RICO CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM - When you approach St.