Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Passengers on the early morning ferry from Lungi to Freetown experienced delays on Tuesday, 5th August, after the vessel became stuck shortly after leaving the terminal.
Joseph Austin Johnny, head of the ferry terminal, explained that the ferry did not break down and the delay was caused by natural tide movements, not mechanical problems.
He said the ferry had loaded passengers, including commercial bike riders with their motorcycles, and had just started its journey when the captain tried to turn the ferry back toward the terminal. At that moment, the tide pushed the ferry onto a sandbank, causing it to get stuck.
According to Joseph, the ferry remained stuck until the tide returned and raised the water level, allowing the ferry to move again.
He added that this is a common situation during the rainy season when sea conditions become rough and tides change quickly. Joseph said this natural movement of the sea sometimes causes ferries to be pushed onto sandbanks, but this does not mean the ferry has a technical fault.
Joseph also addressed concerns about the ferry service, especially since there is only one ferry currently operating on this important route between Lungi and Freetown. He reassured the public that the ferry service is running effectively and safely.
He emphasized that the stoppage was a natural event caused by the tide, not a sign of any mechanical failure or lack of safety.
Following the incident, passengers were reportedly transferred to another ferry to continue their journey safely. There were no injuries or accidents reported during the event.
This explanation aims to clear up any misunderstandings about the ferry delay and reassure travelers about the reliability of the ferry service. The Lungi-Freetown route remains a critical connection for many, including travelers heading to and from the airport, commercial bike riders, and those transporting goods.
Joseph’s comments underline that while challenges like tide changes can affect ferry operations, the service continues to be dependable and safe.
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