Caption: Jearlean John
By Alicia Chamely
WORKS and Transport Minister Jearlean John says although she cannot say how long the new inter-island ferry, Blue Wave Harmony, will be out of service, all other ferries are operating and the sea bridge remains in service.
Speaking to reporters on Friday as she made her way into the Red House, Port of Spain, John said: “The rest of the sea bridge has not stopped. All other ferries—the Galleons Passage, the Spirit and the Buccoo Reef—are all on the sea bridge.”
@azpnews.com Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says the Blue Wave Harmony is being assessed and should be back in operation in the near future. Video: Alicia Chamely @jearleanjohnofficial @mowi.gov.tt @islandferries3 #bluewaveharmony #ferryservice #tobago #backinoperation #assessment
Asked what the ferry hit and under what circumstances, John said: “The berth. It was doing sea trials because it’s now being put on the route.”
“That was the second sea trial out of Port of Spain. It got into Scarborough safely. There was a lot of rain and wind and so on, so when they were about to push off, it hit the berth and damaged the hull,” she said.
John could not say how long the ferry would be out of service, but said she was optimistic it would not be “too long.”
Regarding the cost to repair the vessel, John said: “I am still awaiting the evaluation from the experts. We had some certified welders travelling to Tobago early this morning, so I am just awaiting that. I am hoping it is not too long.”
The Blue Wave Harmony is a newly leased ferry, acquired to replace the Cabo Star. The vessel arrived at the Port of Spain on January 22 and completed its first sea trial on January 27.
On Friday, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago issued a press release stating the vessel sustained damage to its hull while berthing at the Port of Scarborough early that morning.
PATT said: “Preliminary information indicates the weather conditions, including strong winds, were contributing factors. All circumstances surrounding the incident remain under assessment.”
The Authority said all operations out of the Port of Scarborough, including inter-island ferry services, were continuing as normal.
