Probe into ferry cites bad weather
AN investigation by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) into the near-sinking of the passenger vessel “Thandi” has cited weather conditions as one of the key drivers causing the incident that led to the dramatic rescue of about 60 tourists on their way to Robben Island.
The Robben Island Museum (RIM) says the report by Samsa has helped the organisation to evaluate its current safety procedures and to provide an “even better and safer experience” for all visitors to the island.
Thandi was carrying 64 passengers and four crew when bad weather conditions caused them to be evacuated by the NSRI in rough seas en route to the island in September.
Thandi, a third partyowned and operated vessel chartered by RIM to ferry passengers, is not currently in commission.
Beverley Schäfer, Standing Committee Chairperson on Economic Opportunities, Tourism, and Agriculture, previously said that the RIM’s ferry service may have been operating outside of Samsa regulations, including “faulty ferry Thandi”.
RIM chief executive Mava Dada said, based on the findings highlighted in the report and their own internal assessment, they would implement a number of additional safety measures to further improve the current protocols.
RIM will install additional wind-monitoring equipment on the island so that actual wind conditions can be monitored in Cape Town and on Robben Island.
The organisation said it would ensure and insist that all ferries were fitted with wind-monitoring equipment, which will also be frequently
Visitors to Robben Island assured of updated safety measures
monitored during trips. “Steps have been taken to improve the frequency and quality of reports as well as the interactions with masters with regard to weather conditions. RIM are engaging with Transnet National Port Authority to agree on added reporting processes,” the organisation said in a statement.
RIM said it would carry out further investigations into the type and characteristics of vessels that were sustainable, reliable and comfortable to provide a consistent passenger and crew experience in the unpredictable and sometimes severe weather conditions of Cape Town.
“We recognise and commend the recommendations made by Samsa with regards to the possible changes to the regulations and legislation relating to passenger ferry operations, which will play a significant role in ensuring both higher quality vessels, as well as improved quality of operations.
“We assure visitors to Robben Island that the measures already in place, and the updated safety measures now being implemented are such that visitors are assured of the best possible safety standards on all our vessels,” said Dada.
The owners of the vessel, Yacoob Yachts, were not available for comment yesterday.