The Tt-Spirit: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a recent uproar, Oropouche West Member of Parliament Dave Tancoo has raised concerns regarding the crew of the 'TT Spirit', who he alleges have been left stranded at sea. The ferry is currently docked on the heavy lift vessel 'White Merlin' (IMO: 9670224) in Port of Spain Anchorage, where it has been undergoing extended maintenance. Tancoo stated that the technical team aboard the 'TT Spirit' has been effectively marooned during this period. However, Lyle Alexander, chairman of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, has refuted claims of the vessel being held for ransom. He confirmed that the drydocking repairs have been finalized and indicated that the 'TT Spirit' is set for relaunch on April 4. Following this, the remaining minor repairs will be completed while the ship is berthed at GSS Jetty in Port-of-Spain, after significant engine upgrades, including shaft replacements and jet component enhancements. Alexander assured that all financial obligations concerning the operations on the 'White Marlin' have been fulfilled, alleviating fears of any negligence toward the crew's welfare.

An alarming bomb scare disrupted maritime operations at Scarborough port on June 24, 2019, causing a significant delay for the morning sailing of the 'T&T Spirit,' originally scheduled for 6:30 a.m. The incident began when a threatening phone call was made at 5:12 a.m., prompting immediate action from local Fire Services. The authorities conducted a thorough security sweep of the ferry, and after confirming that the vessel was safe, they granted clearance for boarding. Passengers were finally allowed to embark once a fire officer inspected all waiting vehicles, ensuring a secure and safe journey.

On the evening of April 16, 2019, the crew members of the ferry "T&T Spirit" undertook an unexpected duty – a rescue mission en route to Scarborough. As the vessel was navigating towards Tobago, the captain responded to a distress signal from a small pirogue near Maracas Bay. The quick thinking and decisive actions of the crew led to the successful rescue of four individuals from a drifting boat that had experienced an engine failure. This commendable effort showcased the crew's dedication to maritime safety. Consequently, the fast ferry arrived at Scarborough Port a few hours later than its scheduled time.