The T&T Express fast ferry which was sold in February sunk off the Azores on Saturday while en route to its new owners in Spain, reports guardian.
Information Confirmed
The information was confirmed by international shipping reports and also by Works Minister Rohan Sinanan. He said he had seen the reports on the sinking. But he said the vessel does not belong to T&T anymore since it was sold recently.
Built in 1997 T&T Express was bought by the Government in 2006 for US$20 million. It was 91.3 metres long and 26 metres wide with a capacity for 765 passengers and 200 vehicles.
Maintenance Cost Estimated
It served the Tobago seabridge for 12 years—alongside the T&T Spirit—but was pulled from service in 2018 after mechanical and electrical issues. That year Government stated it would be sold “as is” since high maintenance cost estimated at over US $7 million was needed to fix its issues. Prime Minister Keith Rowley had said then, the time was ripe to sell it. It was berthed at the POS port for two years after.
In March this year, NIDCO chairman Herbert George was quoted as saying the vessel was sold for US$3 million. The contract was signed on February 25. It was reported to have been sold to a Spanish booking transport/vehicle rental/maritime company, Servicios Y Concesiones Maritimas Ibicencas of Spain.
What Happened
But the Ferrybalear maritime report stated the T&T Express had sunk earlier, 800 miles from the Azores Islands, off Portugal.
The article stated the ferry was recently acquired by “Transmapi” and left T&T on April 11 towed by Monte Da Luz tugboat. It was due to arrive in Vigo, Spain, on May 3.
Transmapi is described in Internet reports as a leading ferry provider between the islands of Ibiza and Formentera in Spain.
The article stated the tugboat’s captain confirmed they had “lost their cargo” off the Azores.
Unknown Cause
The cause of the incident was said to be unknown. The article stated Trasmapi is waiting for “them” to report since that company was responsible for the ship and its transfer from Port-of-Spain to its arrival in Vigo.
The article stated that no data was offered on the collapse of the vessel, but materials that could have remained afloat were collected and there was no type of spillage. They said the situation was not representing any danger to navigation.
Huge Setback
The article said a detailed report was being awaited “with all the facts and actions carried out by the shipowner to avoid this misfortune.” Some mariners commenting on the post said it was a “huge setback” for Transmapi.
Opposition MP Dave Tancoo called for more information on the sale.
“We want to know if there was any continued liability on behalf of the Government that may be associated with T&T still. Also, was the sale payment received?
Scheduled Maintenance
“T&T Express served T&T faithfully. It had, however, deteriorated to such as state due to Government’s failure to meet scheduled maintenance and dry docking, that it seems it was sold essentially as scrap iron. Its sinking may be an ominous sign of the state of our country under the present regime.“
NIDCO officials were not available for comment.
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Source: guardian
