Passengers marooned on fast ferry; non-functioning ramp

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Saturday, 06 March 2010 17:03

Passengers marooned on fast ferry; non-functioning ramp Passengers were marooned on the fast ferry the T&T spirit this morning. According to a passenger on board the vessel at the time, this was due to the non-functioning ramp.

The vessel sailed back and forth just outside the Scarborough harbor for about two hours before it docked. Tobago Channel five understands that passengers were not allowed to disembark until 11 a.m. At that time, the permanent ramp attached to the port was used and passengers were allowed to disembark.

Several distressed passengers who didn’t want to go on camera explained that during their two hour ordeal, an announcement was made that the water was rough which made it impossible for the ramp to be extended. When contacted, Public Relations Officer of the Port Authority, Velma Lewis- Coburn informed us that she was aware of the incident.

She explained that the vessel was on time but rough seas, choppy waters and strong winds were giving the crew a hard time to berth the ship. This she says that these conditions made it difficult to use the vessel’s ramp.