The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) has explained that in accordance with its strict safety policy and maritime guidelines the MV Kimbia on Wednesday had to return to the Goods Wharf after setting sail for Kumaka, when one of the generators on the vessel failed.
A press release from the T&HD General Manager said that “in accordance with our strict safety policy and adherence to the maritime guidelines, the vessel returned to the Goods Wharf because it is mandatory and prudent that vessels operating in open or semi-confined waters have two or more serviceable generators.”
The passengers were duly informed of the problem and were advised that the vessel would be returning to the wharf to have the problem rectified.
The vessel had departed Georgetown at about 13:10 hrs but had to return to the Goods Wharf at approximately 14:10 hrs.
The technicians and engineers worked feverishly to correct the problem with the generator in order to facilitate the vessel sailing before 18:00 hrs, the release said.
However, work on the repair was greater than initially anticipated and required a longer time to rectify. Consequently the passengers were informed at around 17:00 hrs that the vessel would depart the following morning at 08:00 hrs.
Passengers were given the option of remaining on the vessel or returning home and about 80 per cent opted to remain on board.
Meanwhile, all the children on board were provided with dinner.
Moreover, on the following morning, Thursday, breakfast was provided for all passengers on board and arrangements were made for them to be provided with meals as they proceeded on the journey.
Passengers also had access to water dispensers with water on board while the vessel was alongside the wharf and also for the journey.
The release said further that the vessel, which is 31 years old and not 70 years as was reported in the Stabroek News on Thursday, March 15, departed the Goods Wharf that day at approximately 09:00 hrs for Morawhanna and Kumaka (Mabaruma) Region One with 109 passengers.
In relation to the MV Northcote the engineers are in the process of repairing the minor damage caused as a result of the engine room fire which took place on March 10, the release said.
This vessel is expected to be back in operation by the middle of this week in order to continue its operation between Georgetown and Port Kaituma. And there is also a well stocked canteen on board the vessel.
In the meantime, the T&HD expressed regret at the inconvenience caused but noted that safety requirements were its overriding considerations.
