By Sue-Ann Wayow
IT seems as though water-taxi Carnival Runner began sinking on Monday as water began seeping into the vessel that is docked at the terminal in San Fernando.
A social media video went viral showing the vessel in a lopsided position on the water.
The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) issued a press release stating that the vessel began taking in the water from around 4am.
NIDCO stated that a team of officials was working to have the problem rectified and that a further update will be provided once the investigation is completed.
MP demands answers
Member of Parliament for Pointe-a-Pierre, David Lee in a press release asked, “Today, as the country stands to lose one of its most critical assets key to the travelling public, the question must be asked, is this vessel sinking due to poor maintenance and upkeep by those in authority?”
“The rate at which this multi-million dollar vessel was sinking suggest that the vessel encountered a major problem with its hull or some other related issue. However, problems such as these are usually detected through proper, timely and adequate maintenance,” Lee said.
Lee said Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan must now tell the public when last the vessel was placed in the dry dock for repair and when was it sufficiently inspected for safety measures.
The MP said, “This matter must not be taken lightly or swept under the carpet as is the norm of this administration because had this occurred while in use or with passengers onboard, lives could have been lost.”
