Jaden Sun, the fast ferry operating between St. Vincent and the Southern Grenadines, could be out of operation at least for the weekend because of “technical difficulties” on the vessel.
The development today (Thursday) comes as the vessel has emerged as an essential maritime bridge between Kingstown and the islands of the Southern Grenadines after the July 1 devastation by Hurricane Beryl.
A company spokesperson told iWitness News that the vessel is on its way to Kingstown from the Southern Grenadines to have the issue examined.
The spokesperson said that after the vessel arrives, it would be some hours before technicians can examine the issue because the boat engine has to be allowed to cool before work can begin.
Following the test, the company would try to have the issue resolved on the weekend and would give an update by Monday, the company told iWitness News.
In a Facebook post earlier on Thursday, the company said that the vessel will not be in operation “until further notice.
“As we work on the problem, we will keep the public updated. We regret any inconvenience caused by this disruption.”
The technical difficulties aboard the vessel come four days into a two-week contract, in the first instance, with the government to ferry people between Kingstown, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island on weekdays.
On July 2, the company sponsored a trip to the Southern Grenadines, which has been without electricity and telecommunication since the hurricane, creating the first link between St. Vincent and the devastated islands.
Scores of people, including several needing urgent medical attention were evacuated to Kingstown.
The vessel can make the 36-mile journey between Kingstown and Union Island in two hours — at least half the time the other ferries take.
The two-hour journey meant that people displaced by the hurricane could leave Kingstown at 8 a.m., arrive in Union Island at 10 a.m. and spend six hours on the island before departing for Kingstown at 4 p.m.
Well done 👍 up for Jaden sun crew an captain you all did very well
Hope the issue/s can be resolved soon because the people need this service.