After the Sandals project “crashed” on Tuesday, the Galleons Passage also did so in Tobago on Wednesday— right into the Scarborough pier’s railings.
That was how UNC senator Saddam Hosein put the situation yesterday following the confirmed incident on Wednesday when the right side of the Galleons Passage accidentally hit the rails on the finger pier in Scarborough.
The vessel sustained what Port officials described as “minor” damage. Damage was also done to the rails of the pier. Executive officials in Tobago confirmed the situation after the accident occurred
Pictures which emerged soon after the accident showed the damage to part of the boat where paint was scraped, as well as the finger pier and its railings which were damaged.
Nidco subsequently yesterday said the situation resulted in a “slight blemish” on the vessel and “minor disturbance” on the jetty’s railings.
Tobago port officials on the scene said the railings and a part of the concrete border of the pier were damaged more than the boat.
Repairs of the pier and railings were being put in train yesterday. This is - initially - estimated to cost approximately $12,000.
Officials said the vessel might need repainting where it was scraped.
The Galleons Passage was in proper condition enough to make its return sailing to Trinidad on Wednesday and it was still on the Port yesterday since officials said it doesn’t sail on Thursdays.
Officials said the vessel is expected to make its usual Friday sailing to Tobago today.
The US$17 million vessel is two years old after being constructed.
Nidco’s CEO-president Esther Farmer was said to be in a manager’s meeting and didn’t return calls. A Nidco communication clerk didn’t immediately call back after initial queries for her. When the T&T Guardian called again specifying the vessel’s accident, he later issued an eight line general press release confirming it and referring to the “blemish” on the vessel and “minor disturbance” on the jetty.
The Nidco clerk didn’t answer further calls for more explanation and clarification. Nor did Farmer.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, at a media briefing (on Sandals issues), denied claims there’s been any secrecy on the seabridge as he said the Opposition Leader claimed Tuesday.
However, Hosein said, “It’s extremely worrying the Galleons Passage has crashed in Tobago based on the many photographs of the situation which circulated following the accident,”
“The situation casts more doubt on the suitability and safety of the lives of passengers who use the vessel. I call on Minister (Rohan) Sinanan to give an account of the circumstances surrounding the accident that the Galleons Passage was involved in. Minister Sinanan must give an assurance that the boat is safe to use after the incident as it can jeopardise the safety of those who use the seabridge. “
Works Minister Rohan Sinanan said he didn’t have a report on the accident and couldn’t comment until he got one.