KINGSTON - MV Kanawan departed the Supenaam Stelling for Parika at approximately 12:00 hrs on Sunday December 27, 2015 with 255 passengers and 42 vehicles on board, thus it was heavily laden.
While underway, in the vicinity of the Chalmers Area and close to the time of low water, the overboard water suction through which water enters to cool the main engines became blocked with sediments; consequently the engine began overheating then subsequently automatically shut-down.
The ensuing efforts to clear the suction pipes and to restart the engines proved futile.
The Department’s personnel at the Parika Stelling were contacted shortly thereafter and they immediately chartered and dispatched six (6) water taxis from Parika to transport the passengers on board to the Parika Stelling. The vessel with the vehicles on board was subsequently towed to Parika by a tug.
According to the investigations thus far, there is no evidence that the Captain was under the influence of alcohol as reported in some sections of the media.
In spite of this unfortunate incident, the officials of the Department worked relentlessly to ensure that the passengers were always safe.
The Honourable David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure joined the General Manager of the Transport & Harbours Department Ms. Marclene Merchant in expressing their regret about this incident and that they are committed to prevent the recurrences of such incidents.
