NO SMOOTH SAILING FOR SONIA

THE MAIDEN voyage of the new inter-island ferry did not get off to the smooth start as  expected, after several minor problems resulted in a late departure from the Port-of-Spain Port and an even later arrival in Scarborough, Tobago. Before the vessel could even depart from the Trinidad base, the Port Authority’s computer system crashed causing passengers waiting to purchase tickets to ride the luxury inter-island ferry to stand in line for an additional half and hour so that tickets could be prepared manually. The vessel was expected to depart Trinidad at 9 am, but it was not until around 9.55 am that a “voice” welcomed passengers to the “MV Sonia” and advised passengers on the rules and guidelines to be followed during the trip. At a press briefing held on arrival at Scarborough, Port officials described the rough start as a “learning process for everyone involved,” noting that the “kinks” would be worked out soon.

With regard to the Sonia’s late departure, the Port’s Executive Manager Leon Grant explained that because of the number of people who indicated an interest in making the maiden voyage aboard the new vessel, coupled with the crashed computer system, they were forced to issue tickets manually. He pointed out that the Port Authority was in the process of installing another system, which would be more robust than the existing one, and which would be able to stand the pressures of issuing tickets for the three vessels — the Panorama,  the Beauport and the Sonia — which would be running the route.

He explained that the Panorama would be utilised to carry cargo, the Beauport to carry large vehicles and some passengers and the Sonia would be used as the main passenger and small vehicle vessel. With regard to the length of the trip, Grant explained that the vessel can make the trip within the time frame indicated by the Authority, but because this was the vessel’s first trip to the sister isle with passengers, crew and cargo, the captain wanted to make absolutely sure about the sea conditions and the type of water he was dealing with, before opening the vessels engines to its full capacity. At the start of the voyage the stern threat of legal action was issued against anyone who removed any item belonging to the vessel. 

Australian born, Tobago resident Paul Ramcharan pointed out that on the Panorama’s maiden voyage passengers stole ashtrays, bed sheets and other items from the vessel, noting that it was “only a matter of time before the same thing happened on the Sonia. An escalator took travellers from the port to the economy class, where thick rich carpet welcomed them aboard. Walking into the economy class main hall, a luxurious dining type sitting room, with large comfortable chairs and glass-topped tables awaited their arrival. Another sitting area complete with well-stocked bar can be found towards the bough of the vessel. In the other direction 78 four-bed cabins and the usual views can be found. Stairways lead to the upper deck, where cabins for the crew, another bar, sitting area and dining type settings are housed. On the upper deck, passengers can sit and look at the ocean.

The trip itself was described by travellers as smooth, and the usual rough-up on the Bocas, which caused upset stomachs and “bad feelings” was not evident, and despite the late start of the long awaited journey, passengers thought the ride was worth the wait. One resident, who preferred not to be identified, said that she deliberately delayed her departure from Trinidad, just so that her children could have the opportunity to “ride the new boat.” She explained that she went to Trinidad to visit relatives for the Christmas Season, and was expected to return to Tobago yesterday, but when she realised the Sonia was making its first voyage to Tobago, she decided to “wait for that experience.” Other passengers described the three-deck vessel as a “God send” and “a little piece of the oil money.”

One group who decided to take the trip in true Trinbagonian style, “just to parang some friends in Tobago and go back home,” described the vessel as the “ideal thing to make a little run-away to Tobago and get back in time not to get in trouble.” Another traveller who identified himself as “Scientist” said that the vessel could be maintained, but it would require teaching the people to “treat the vessel as if it is their own.” He said the people should look at the vessel as a means of enjoying some of the oil money that passes through the country. The vessel eventually arrived at the Scarborough Port at around 3.35 pm almost six hours after departure time, and much later than the advertised sailing time, much to the disappointment of some travellers.