Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, August 18 - The Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, reported on Saturday via his social media about difficulties in transportation to the Isle of Youth following an incident involving the ferry Perseverancia.
Earlier today, while making the crossing between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó, the ferry Perseverancia experienced a lubrication failure in the port side gearbox, which necessitated a return to the port of Nueva Gerona and the immediate activation of the protocol designed for such incidents, the minister stated.
At the same time, he mentioned that the catamaran Río Las Casas, requested from the Empresa Prácticos de Cuba and the shipping company VIAMAR for an extraordinary departure to accommodate those on the waiting list, is currently out of service and undergoing repairs since its last return from the tourist destination Cayo Largo del Sur.
According to the transportation minister, specialized teams from OSDE GEMAR, along with technicians and engineers from VIAMAR, are working intensively on the repairs for both the catamaran and the ferry Perseverancia.
“We understand that both vessels have been in continuous operation and require maintenance interventions to ensure their safety and reliability; therefore, the teams are focused on restoring operational conditions as soon as possible,” the minister added.
He emphasized that the priority from the outset has been the care of those on board. “In Nueva Gerona, the Municipal Public Bus Company, with the assistance of school buses, provided service to transport passengers back to their localities. Passengers traveling on the Santiago de Cuba–Batabanó intermodal service are receiving assistance upon arrival at the Traveler’s Agency at 26 and Zoológico in Havana, where they receive information and personalized help.”
Additionally, “travelers from Pinar del Río province were returned to their place of origin.”
Rodríguez Dávila concluded, “Once the repair process for either vessel is completed, we will promptly communicate the resumption of service and the options for continued travel for those with reservations or on waiting lists. We understand the inconvenience this situation causes and we apologize for it.” (Text and Photo: Cubadebate)
