Ferry incompetence

AFTER an excursion to Robben Island on board the Jester, operated by the Robben Island Museum, on September 13, and having observed the off-hand approach to safety exhibited by the crew, it came as no surprise to see the headlines in Saturday’s press, reporting the near-sinking of the Thandi.

They continue to dominate news headlines as further facts relating to the near sinking are revealed.

The attitude to safety of the crew on our voyage, if reflective of the Robben Island Museum’s management approach, brings into question the competence of its marine management of this service.

This includes their approach to chartering vessels for the service, the recruitment of competent crew, and the maintenance of the vessels to ensure they are seaworthy for operating between Cape Town and Robben Island.

It brings into question the marine expertise of the management and the vessels’ crew, to make the correct judgement as to whether sailing should proceed in the prevailing weather, with the knowledge of the potential of sudden squalls, and all set against the capabilities of their vessels.

It is reassuring that the authorities are taking a serious view and commissioning an independent investigation.

It is to be hoped that the investigation is prompt, in-depth and not superficial, conducted by experienced mariners, and the findings are not swept under the carpet but acted upon promptly.

Robben Island, a political prison for centuries, but most recently that of Nelson Mandela, is a major tourist attraction to many people not only from South Africa but worldwide.

If the safety of these tourists is not guaranteed by the proper application of competent marine management it will quickly lose its attraction, particularly to those visitors such as myself, from Europe and the US where safety of passengers is a high priority item. Captain John B Gorrie Retired Senior Marine Consultant Scotland