Mariners warned to steer clear of capsized ferry

Aug 26, 2017 News

River authorities are warning mariners to steer clear of the capsized ferry in the Mazaruni

MV Torani on its side in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven.

River, Region Seven.
According to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a notice published in Kaieteur News, MV Torani, a vessel of the state-owned Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), sank close to the Mazaruni Prison wharf location. It is about 100 metres from the wharf, MARAD said.
The vessel, which was due for repairs, reportedly took prisoners to the facilities there following a major fire at the Camp Street jail which forced authorities to shift inmates around to the various holding facilities in the country.
Photographs surfaced this week showing the vessel on its side.
According to MARAD, the ferry is not fully submerged, with its starboard still visible at all tides.
MARAD warned mariners to steer clear of the vessel and to navigate with caution when in the vicinity.
MV Torani is well known to Berbicians plying the Rosignol and New Amsterdam route for years before the advent of the Berbice River Bridge. It was removed and placed on the Essequibo River.
MV Torani is said to be 57 years old, and together with its other sister vessels, including Malali, has been proving a major challenge to upkeep.
Still, the images of seeing the vessel on its side this week have evoked strong sentiments by some citizens.