The Cabo Star sailed late to Tobago yesterday after developing engine problems over the weekend.
The T&T Guardian understands that the vessel sailed from the Port of Port-of-Spain around 5.30 pm, three and a half hours later than scheduled as officials tried to rectify the problem. The delay led to a back-up of transport trucks along Wrightson Road.
Officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island Service declined comment when asked why the vessel did not sail, with one senior official saying he was “not at liberty to speak to the issue.
Contacted by email Bridgemans Services Group vice president Andrew Purdey confirmed there was an issue. He said “yes, we had a minor issue on the starboard engine and she is back in full service.”
Samuel Applewhite, of the Truckers Association, confirmed the delay. He said the vessel developed engine problems half an hour after leaving the Scarborough port at 11.15 pm on Sunday night, slowed down considerably and eventually docked in Port-of-Spain at 8.30 am yesterday, the voyage taking just under ten hours.
Applewhite said the Cabo Star’s speed had reduced from 16 knots to 13 knots and a journey was now almost twice the length of time it took on the Super Fast Galicia.
He admitted this is “rough” on truckers, but said “this time for sailing goes hand in hand with the age of the vessel.”
The Cabo Star is over 20 years old and has been leased at a cost of US$22,500 a day. (RS)