No word yet on Cabo Star’s return to service

Tobago Correspondent

Political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots Watson Duke has blamed the country’s cargo transportation problems on the Government’s decision to charter the Cabo Star in 2017.

Duke, who was a guest on CNC3’s The Morning Brew yesterday, said there would not have been cargo challenges if a newer and more capable vessel had been chartered.

He was commenting about the fire in the Cabo Star’z auxiliary engine room, the second fire on the cargo vessel in less than a year.

“We should not have had an old boat called the corbeaux star (Cabo Star) where it has made it more difficult to trade cargo. You have to put cargo on the boat and then take a plane. That’s not good enough,” he said.

Up to last yesterday there was still no definite word on the vessel’s return to service.

In a release, the Inter-Island Transport Service said no injuries were reported as the crew quickly extinguished the fire, ensuring the safety of all on board. The vessel is expected to undergo thorough inspections by its Panama-based classification society.

The Buccoo Reef and Galleons Passage will operate on a revised schedule until tomorrow to accommodate cargo needs, prioritising essential goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.

On Tuesday, Port Authority of T&T (PATT) chairman Lyle Alexander said that based on the investigation’s findings, the ship’s crew will indicate when the vessel can resume service.

In a follow-up Tuesday evening, Alexander said the PATT was expected to get feedback from the investigating team during the night and will then seek advice from ship class certification society officials based in Panama on the next step.

Late yesterday, the PATT said arrangements have been made to assist with the cargo requirements during the Cabo Star’s absence on the seabridge. The Buccoo Reef sailed from Port-of-Spain at 9 am yesterday and is due to depart Scarborough at 2 pm today. The Galleons Passage will sail from Port-of-Spain at 9 am and depart Scarborough at 4.30 pm tomorrow. The Galleons Passage will sail from Port-of-Spain at 9 am and depart Scarborough at 4.30 pm.

Vehicles up to 7,000kgs will be accommodated on both vessels and priority will be given to foodstuff, pharmaceuticals and other perishables.

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