Press Release: Cancellation of Cruise Call to Port Kingstown
[Kingstown, 10th November 2024] – The Port Authority has announced the cancellation of a cruise ship call scheduled for yesterday, 9th November 2024, due to an incident involving a large vehicle carrier. The release stated that the carrier sustained damage to its hull while attempting to berth at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal (KCT). Although the vessel remains temporarily disabled, the Port Authority confirmed that all cargo was successfully discharged.
The release explained that the KCT was being used temporarily for cargo operations following significant damage to the main Kingstown cargo pier caused by Hurricane Beryl. This shift was intended to maintain essential maritime trade, despite certain operational constraints.
According to the release, the incident prevented the cruise ship from docking as scheduled. Under normal circumstances, the cargo vessel would have departed in time to accommodate the cruise ship’s arrival.
The release further noted that the damage, located just above the waterline, presents specific operational challenges, necessitating a professional assessment to determine the safest approach for moving the vessel from its current location.
The Port Authority expressed its sincere regret to all affected by this incident, especially those more adversely impacted, and apologized for the inconvenience caused.
The release emphasized that restoring operations at the KCT promptly and safely is a top priority. The Port Authority is taking all necessary measures to prevent further complications and has committed to a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.