The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) has completed its investigation into the near sinking of the Robben Island ferry, the Thandi, on September 15, and has made Robben Island Museum (RIM) implement further safety regulations.

Beverley Schäfer, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Economic Opportunities, Tourism and Agriculture, said the Samsa report outlined that the Thandi was not fit for purpose. According to the report, the ferry is “designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers where conditions up to and including wind force 6 – between 22 and 27 knots on the Beaufort Scale. The wind force in Table Bay on the day of the incident was between 45 and 62 knots.

The Skipper, Owner or RIM had not monitored the appropriate weather forecast, nor had they taken the prevailing weather conditions into account, mentioned Schäfer. The report explained that they made general use of generic and non-official weather information services that day, and that forecasts provided by the South African Weather Services (SAWS) were not monitored. This is a direct contravention of the National Small Vessel Safety Regulations (NSVR).

Furthermore, no records of persons on board the vessel were kept, which is in direct contravention of Marine Notice 7 of 2008. RIM had previously assured the committee that a passenger list was compiled for Thandi on the day of the incident.

Schäfer added that there was no Harbour Master at Robben Island’s Murray Harbour to appropriately manage the arrival and departure of vessels.

“The report clearly highlights allegations of gross negligence and maladministration by the Robben Island Museum ferry service. It is blatantly and worryingly clear that RIM has not been honest with the Standing Committee,” she said.

The Committee has sought legal advice with the view of launching an independent investigation and will reconvene in early February.

In addition, passengers reported water ingress through the forward facing sliding windows prior to them being broken. While sliding windows are permitted, there is no record of a practical test of water tightness being conducted.

As it stands, the Thandi is currently not in commission.

Robben Island Museum responds

Mava Dada, Chief Executive Officer, of RIM said: “Based on the learnings highlighted in the report and our own internal assessment, we will be implementing a number of additional safety measures to further improve the current safety protocols.”

RIM has updated its system processes for the monitoring of weather conditions and weather warnings. Steps have been taken to improve the frequency and quality of reports, as well as the interactions with Masters regarding weather conditions. RIM is currently engaging with Transnet National Port Authority to agree on added reporting processes.

RIM will also carry out additional assessments of all its vessels serving Robben Island, to affirm their suitability for continued operations and to enhance safety measures.