Video footage shows the Robben Island ferry, the Thandi appeared to be overloaded when it nearly sank earlier this month.

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) MPP, Beverley Schäfer, said in a press release that the video footage showed Robben Island Museum (RIM) employees going against regulation by secretly boarding ferries meant for tourists, resulting in ferries, such as the Thandi being overloaded.

“I call on the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to investigate these alleged acts of malpractice in the interests of passenger safety, and in order to get to the bottom of the September 15 incident where sinking ferry, Thandi, was stranded at sea,” said Schäfer.

She stressed that employees of RIM had separate ferries to transport them to and from work between shifts, however these boats took twice as long to reach the island, “therefore many employees resort to secretly boarding tourist ferries to cut the duration of the trip”.

Schäfer said passengers wanting to visit RIM were at constant risk, due to negligence. “It is becoming increasingly pressing to root out the alleged corruption at the heart of RIM management.

 “Employees should not be using touring ferries,” says Schäfer.

The DA has proof regarding the mismanagement of RIM and the ferries.

This brings into question the operation management of RIM and its ferry service, as strict boarding and disembarking procedures must be followed, to ensure passenger safety.

Mava Dada, Chief Executive Officer of RIM told Tourism Update that the incident relating to the Thandi was still under investigation by SAMSA. “As soon as the investigation has been completed and we’ve reviewed the findings we will be able to give more information.

“The safety of the passengers is a key priority for Robben Island Museum and the ferry masters. Both RIM-owned and private ferries are subject to national laws, without exception.”

Office Manager, Phirial Williams from Thandi Ferry denied that the ferry was overloaded.

“The skipper and crew were confident that the vessel had the capacity to carry the amount of passengers that were on board on September 15,” said Williams.

The video below features a woman who is a RIM employee on board the Thandi.