Investigation into ferry

THE cause of the partial sinking of the chartered Robben Island ferry Thandi on Friday afternoon is being probed.

Thandi began taking on water while returning from the Robben Island Museum and 68 passengers and crew had to be rescued.

Senior manager of ferry operations at the Robben Island Museum, Sandresan Thandroyan, said the museum was conducting an internal investigation.

“Robben Island Museum (RIM) is conducting its own internal investigation. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) will also be conducting an investigation. RIM will support them throughout the process,” he said. He added that the vessel was successfully retrieved when the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) towed it to Murrays Bay Harbour and stabilised it.

Asked about the track record of faulty boats operating to and from the island, Thandroyan insisted that all vessels had maintenance plans.

“One of the requirements for any chartered ferry to conduct business with (RIM) is for the vessel to have a maintenance plan or maintenance schedule to ensure all machinery and equipment are always in perfect running condition. They are also required to have all the safety certificates for the vessels. Robben Island Museum also has a maintenance plan for all their vessels.”

Thandroyan added that weather conditions were confirmed to be suitable for the vessel by the master of the ferry.

ER24 spokesperson Ineke van Huyssteen said at least two people sustained minor to moderate injuries.

“NSRI swiftly activated several stations when they received the distress call. When ER24 arrived on scene at 2.46pm, the ferry that was roped in to assist the passengers, was still coming into the dock,” Van Huyssteen said.

Roben Island Museum chief executive Mava Dada said counsellors have been made available to all the passengers.

“The safety of our passengers is a key priority for us. We are very sorry about this incident,” Dada said.

Thandi’s owner, Esa Yacoob, said when Thandi started taking in water, the skipper immediately radioed port control.

“Passengers were immediately taken to safety, where they were provided with blankets and something warm to drink,” Yacoob said.

Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde visited the V&A Waterfont after the incident.

“Because of their preparedness, the skipper and crew were able to act swiftly and professionally,” Winde said.

SWIFT NSRI ACTION: Sixty-eight passengers and crew aboard a damaged Robben Island ferry were all safely evacuated from the sinking vessel, authorities said on Friday afternoon. An investigation into why it began to take on water is being conducted.