Authorities probing how ferry ran aground on Wakenaam

Last Updated on Monday, 17 November 2014, 23:00 by GxMedia

The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Monday night said it was  currently investigating the circumstances which resulted in the MV SABANTO running aground on to Wakenaam Island during the wee hours of Monday, November 17, 2014.

The vessel, along with its sister ship the MV KANAWAN, plies the Supenaam/Parika route.

The mishap reportedly occurred at around 00:35 h as the vessel was enroute to Supenaam with passengers and crew. No injuries were reported.

The T&HD said passengers disembarked at first-light by water taxis which responded to the vessel’s distress.

According to that department, assessments by mariners, marine surveyors and engineers are currently underway to initially determine damage to the vessel and the best method of safely taking it off.

T&HD says efforts will be made to take off – by dumb barge – the three trucks and seven cars still onboard.

Favourable tides which will help a refloating operation by means of tugs are anticipated at the upcoming week-end. Other sources have told Caribbean News Desk that efforts to remove the ferry with the dredge, Steve N, failed.

Traffic movement will be maintained at normal levels by a doubling up of the runs of the MV KANAWAN and MV MALALI, said the department of the Ministry of Transport.

The T&HD says it sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to commuters.