Need for Coastal Protective Unit

Engineers are currently tasked with determining the cause of the engine room fire on the Cabo Star. The vessel was towed to Trinidad on Friday. Interestingly, the Cabo Star had recently returned from drydock after undergoing repairs a few weeks ago.

In the meantime the Port Authority Upon disembarking, all passengers underwent medical examinations in a designated area. While 63 Tobago-based passengers returned home, 4 traveled to Trinidad on the Galleons Passage. Furthermore, the Port Authority arranged accommodation for 13 passengers at a guest house.

All 92 passengers and crew endured 18 hours on the vessel without electricity due to the unavailability of an appropriate Coast Guard response vessel. In 2017, an interceptor was assigned to Tobago, which is currently undergoing repairs. The two newly acquired Cape Class vessels have been assigned to different locations.

Addressing the issue, Alvin Douglas, former Coast Guard officer and head of Tobago Marine Safety and Security Services, emphasized that this is a recurring yet significant problem. Douglas believes the situation has serious implications and highlights a major deficiency in Tobago. Given Tobago’s numerous water-related activities, Douglas asserts that establishing an independent marine safety unit is crucial.

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