Commuters using the ferry service between Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop were surprised yesterday as many found themselves stranded because of the low water level in the Demerara River, making it impossible for the speedboats to dock at the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling. A small dinghy was used to ferry commuters from the stranded speedboats to the stelling. But this took some time, as the dinghy could only carry eight persons at a time. A bowman had to jump into the shallow water and pull the dinghy with the commuters to the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling.

This makeshift service cost the commuters $60 each.

Distressed drivers and boatmen on the stelling commented that it is the first time they have seen the river so low.