Troubles Besiege the Cabo-Star: Fire, Health Scares, and Passenger Misconduct

The Cabo-Star, a prominent inter-island ferry, has recently found itself in the spotlight for multiple troubling incidents that have raised concern among passengers and maritime officials alike. On August 23, 2023, shortly after departing from Scarborough, the vessel experienced a fire in its engine room around 11:25 p.m. Fortunately, the crew was quick to act, managing to isolate and extinguish the fire without any reported injuries among the 80 passengers and 35 crew members on board. However, this incident forced the Cabo-Star to return to Scarborough early the next morning, and all subsequent sailings were canceled while investigations into the fire's cause and the extent of the damage were initiated.

In the wake of this incident, the vessel has been towed to Port of Spain for further inspections by insurers and necessary repairs, while passengers were diverted to alternative ferries like the APT James, Buccoo Reef, and Galleons Passage, ensuring minimal disruption to the inter-island ferry services.

The Cabo-Star has not been a stranger to health-related scares either. In March 2020, a passenger exhibiting flu-like symptoms raised alarms on board after the ferry arrived from Tobago. Health officials quickly intervened, transporting the ill individual to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where it was determined he did not have COVID-19, easing fears of a potential outbreak among the 61 passengers and 31 crew members aboard. Despite preventing disembarkation as a precaution, the vessel was later cleared to continue its service with the assurance that all necessary health protocols were followed.

Further complicating matters, in March 2018, Cabo-Star’s toilets malfunctioned during a long journey between Trinidad and Tobago due to passengers improperly disposing of items, including rocks and clothing, in the facilities. This led to clogged systems, forcing some individuals to relieve themselves overboard or inside the unit, causing significant discomfort and frustration. The Port Authority had to remind all passengers of the legal ramifications of tampering with the vessel's property as such incidents detract from the ferry’s operations and the overall passenger experience.

With fires, health emergencies, and passenger misconduct contributing to a tumultuous operational history, the Cabo-Star continues to serve as an essential link in inter-island transportation, albeit with pressing challenges that highlight the need for adherence to regulations and safety measures both from the crew and passengers alike.