Minister Benn to receive engineer’s report on state of vessel today
PUBLIC Works Minister, Robeson Benn is, sometime today, expected to receive a report from the engineer who inspected the Lady Northcote vessel yesterday morning.
The vessel is currently docked at the Transport and Harbours’ Wharf at Kingston. On Saturday, a fire broke out in the engine room of the MV Lady Northcote, causing the vessel to experience power failure. The cause of the fire was related as a leakage of fuel from a faulty vault, which leaked onto the exhaust manifold, thus starting the fire that burned the view window of the fuel tanks.
Contacted yesterday, Minister Benn explained that he would be in a position to speak further on the issue after he would have received the report today. The engineer is expected to detail any damage to the vessel’s engine, and advise on the likely chances of the vessel going back into operation in time for its scheduled fortnightly voyage to Port Kaituma, North West District.
When this publication visited the vessel at the Transport and Harbours Department Wharf in Kingston yesterday, several vehicles were still on the vessel, along with some members of the crew.
Minister Benn hopes that very little, if any, damage has been done to the vessel, thus averting disruption of the ferry service to the hinterland location. In the event that the vessel’s engine had suffered extensive damage, it could prove difficult for the Transport and Harbours Department.
On Saturday, Minister Benn told reporters that getting spares for the Lady Northcote has always been a challenge. He reminded of a fire last year that destroyed the storage bond of the Transport and Harbours Department, where most of the parts for that vessel had been stored.
The Lady Northcote happens to be about 68 or 69 years old, making it the oldest vessel being operated by the Transport and Harbours Department.
Captain Lyken of the Lady Northcote made a distress call to port authorities on Saturday after a fire broke out in the engine room of the vessel. In the meantime, he and his crew worked diligently to bring the situation under control, thus averting major catastrophe.
The vessel was at the time heading to Port Georgetown from the North West District of Port Kaituma, with intent to moor at its usual point, the T&HD (Goods) wharf in Kingston.
At the time, there were 49 passengers and 13 crew members, along with vehicles and goods on board the vessel.
There were no reported injuries to anyone, but a vehicle was scorched by the fire.
On Saturday, Minister Benn inspected the vessel after it was brought into the docks by the pilot boats at the Kingston wharf. Because of the power failure, the vessel had drifted past the Kingston Wharf and was heading towards the Stabroek area, before being towed by the pilot boats and tugs.
It took the crew on board at least twenty minutes to put the fire out. On Saturday also, the minister added that immediately after receiving word of the fire on board the vessel, the engines were shut off and safety and fire-fighting procedures were employed. All fire extinguishers on board the vessel were emptied in an effort to put out the fire.
Minister Benn added that the ordeal saw everyone on board being issued life jackets, as there was more than enough for everyone on board. The vessel was also equipped with life rafts and life boats.