By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE MV Cabo Star is scheduled to undergo inspections, re-certifications and repairs.
This following a fire in its engine room on Thursday.
The management of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago provided an update on the situation on Friday.
In a media release, the authority stated the vessel was towed to the Port of Scarborough where passengers, vehicles and loose cargoes were offloaded.
All passengers upon disembarking, were taken to a special area where they were medically examined. They were onboard for about 18 hours after the fire.
The release stated 63 passengers based in Tobago returned to their homes and four returned to Trinidad on the Galleons Passage.
Additionally, accommodation was provided for 13 passengers by the Port Authority at a guest house. Those passengers returned to Trinidad on the 6.30 am sailing from Scarborough on Friday.
On Friday morning, the MV Cabo Star left Tobago at 8.28 am, supported by two tugs with only the crew remaining on board. Expected arrival time into Trinidad and alongside its berth is 7 am on Saturday.
The release stated, “Upon arrival into harbour all inspections, re-certifications and repairs will be undertaken. The Management of the Authority wishes to re-iterate that the service will resume only when the vessel has been certified safe to operate.”
During the absence of the vessel additional sailings have been scheduled on the APT James, Buccoo Reef and the Galleons Passage to accommodate vehicles weighing up to 7,000 kgs.
Priority will be given to foodstuff and other perishables, the Authority stated.
The travelling public is also reminded that there is no interruption to the inter-island passenger ferry service, and all sailings remain as scheduled.
