The Robben Island Museum (RIM) has rejected reports that its ferry service is operationally inadequate and says “it’s business as usual”.
This came out after RIM briefed the provincial standing committee on economic opportunities, tourism and agriculture about the incident relating to the tourist ferry Thandi, which capsized last month. About 70 people aboard the ferry were rescued after the vessel took on water.
Following RIM’s briefing, committee chairperson Beverley Schäfer said the ferry service was “operationally inadequate” to transport passengers between Nelson Mandela Gateway and Robben Island.
An internal investigation into the incident had been opened, according to senior manager of ferry operations at RIM Sandresan Thandroyan.
RIM said what happened with Thandi was an anomaly in a near-perfect record since chartered ferries were introduced.
RIM chief executive Mava Dada yesterday said passenger safety was their priority.
“We are supporting the SA Maritime Safety Authority with their investigation.
"Our own internal investigation is also under way to identify any possible blind spots.
“Until the investigations have been completed, we can’t speculate as to what exactly happened. What we do know and can confirm is that we comply with national laws and regulations.
"Our systems are in place; that is why all the passengers were safely transported back to the mainland.”
Dada said the success of having no casualties meant their risk mitigation plans were working
Additional checks and balances were in place to make sure each journey was completed safely, Dada added.
“Masters of the ferries are trained to assess the water and weather conditions, and they are the best placed to know their ferries' capabilities.
"In addition, RIM monitors weather predictions in advance and therefore requests all masters to do sea trials, upon which all factors are considered before a decision to run or not run tours is taken
"Tourists and guests to RIM are assured that it is business as usual.” Dada said.
Schäfer called for an independent investigation into the incident.
“I have made a request that Samsa make its report available to the public in the interests of passenger safety, and the broader reputation of Robben Island and its museum going forward.
"We must ensure that the ferry service on offer meets international standards, and protects the lives of the thousands of tourists who make the trip to experience our country’s cultural and political heritage,” she said.
“It was further revealed that the report by Samsa into this incident, which the committee has requested by mid-November this year, may not be made available to the public.
"This raises further suspicion around Thandi’s operation, given that the ferry is only permitted to sail in ‘good weather conditions’, and was already allegedly overloaded.”