While revelers across St. Thomas celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, patrons of the Island Time Pub were not as jubilant, as portions of the third-level deck unexpectedly shifted, forcing diners to make a hasty exit.

The large crowds expected had not yet begun to gather at the popular East End restaurant. It was 11:30 a.m. when residents Chris Orosz and Abigail Johnston heard and felt what they described as a loud cracking noise immediately followed by the bouncing and sinking of the floor below them.

The couple had joined a crowd of roughly 25 fellow diners and was standing near the railing facing the bar when the event occurred. The vibration was described as strong enough to shake the glasses on the bar and surrounding tables.

“The floor seemed to bounce and then fall, much like the sinking feeling you receive from a rollercoaster,” said Orosz. “We all exchanged shocked looks and immediately left the deck and headed downstairs to the parking lot.”

Some ran, others left cell phones and credit cards to be rung up. According to both Orosz and Johnston, there was no formal announcement made by management or employees who all remained at their stations. The restaurant would later close early for the day.

American Yacht Harbor manager Joe Whalling was joined by building inspectors and a structural engineer Monday morning beneath the deck structure, concentrating on the existing wooden support beams in place.

“The deck settled roughly 2 inches and is not noticeable to the untrained eye,” said Whalling. “We are looking to secure additional support for the deck and we expect the restaurant to be open for business by Tuesday.”