The stelling at Wakenaam may cost the authorities millions to fix following Saturday’s incident in which the Essequibo River ferry, MV Torani slammed into it.
The incident, which occurred around midday, resulted in the decking at the eastern side of the stelling being ripped apart by the vessel which was on its way from Parika to Adventure at the time. It was making an intermediate stop at the island when the incident occurred.
While efforts to reach Transport Minister Robeson Benn were unsuccessful yesterday, a Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) source told Stabroek News yesterday that the ferry developed mechanical problems when it entered the waters outside Wakenaam. He said that when the boat crew attempted to steer the ferry towards the port, its reverse thrust system failed. He said that there was nothing more the crew could have done to prevent the vessel from hitting the stelling.
An official of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) at Wakenaaam told this newspaper yesterday that the ticketing booth and the passenger waiting room at the wharf were destroyed.
“This incident cause significant damage to the wharf and it will cost the government millions to fix back the wharf because they got to plant piles and realign the whole foundation of the area“, the official stated.
The ferry continued on its journey to Adventure later on Saturday and its crew managed to moor at the Essequibo Coast without difficulty.
The MV Torani has developed mechanical problems over the years while operating in the Essequibo River. On January 17 this year, the vessel broke down between Hog Island and Wakenaam following an engine failure. The vessel eventually ran aground on a sand bank in the river and was subsequently towed to the Essequibo Coast by the MV Malali.
