A preliminary report into the partial sinking of a chartered Robben Island ferry in September, has revealed several shortcomings in the operation of the vessel. News24, quoting from the report by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa), said the allegations included none of the operators of the ferry, Thandi, considered the weather conditions of the day, or holding a safety briefing before leaving the island.

The skipper of the Thandi and several crew members have, however, disputed this.

The Thandi started to sink about 3km from the V&A Waterfront on 15 September when the weather changed suddenly. Five crew members and 64 passengers were rescued under dramatic conditions, according to the report. There were clear indications that the weather conditions on the day were unsuitable for the operation of the ferry, and furthermore, a warning in a Robben Island museum report about the ferry only being used in favourable weather conditions, was ignored, the report said.

Esa Yacoob, owner of Yacoob Yachts, said the Thandi was surveyed by Samsa on 12 September – three days before the incident, and indications on the day was that weather conditions were favourable. The skipper, he said, had done sea trials before commencing.

Full News24 report