Ferry operations resume

After a one week period to facilitate repairs to the Supenaam Stelling, ferries MV Sabanto and MV Kanawan has resumed operations.

The two ferries ply the Supenaam/Parika route transporting people, vehicles and cargo to and from Region Two. However, operations were halted after the captain of MV Sabanto reportedly lost control of the vessel while mooring.

Although the ramp is yet to be completely fixed, passengers and small vehicles have begun using the ferries again as they are able to moor. However, truck drivers/owners are at a great disadvantage since they have to wait long hours to use the MV Malali and MV Makouria ferries. Trucks have to wait in line for at least 4 hours to access these ferries.

As such these drivers are calling on Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson to immediately intervene to have the repairs done as quickly as possible.

On July 27, transport officials launched a probe into the crash which had resulted in damage to the back of the vessel and sections of the stelling. The incident occurred about 18:30h as the vessel arrived from Parika with hundreds of passengers and vehicles onboard.

Persons who were on the ferry at the time of the incident began to panic as they were only able to disembark almost two hours later at 20:00h, while several vehicles were damaged as a result of the collision.

While the probe is ongoing, owners of the damaged vehicles are demanding compensation.

Authorities had warned that anyone found culpable for the accident will be sanctioned.