[UPDATED] Nidco: Carnival Runner water taxi stabilised after taking on water

On Monday morning, the Carnival Runner water taxi began taking on water at the San Fernando Terminal on Lady Hailes Avenue.

When Newsday visited the terminal, firemen and officials were seen working on the vessel.

Eyewitnesses told Newsday the boat had been taking in water for several hours.

In a news release, the National Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (NIDCO) said the boat has been stabilised. It is one of the four high-speed catamarans built in 2009 and put into service on October 26, 2010.

“The vessel was in active service until August 2015 and since then has remained inoperational (laid up status) due to mechanical issues. The cost to effect all repairs on this vessel is estimated to be approximately $30 million.”

NIDCO said the vessel began taking on water at 4am on Monday.

The release added, “A team of officials from NIDCO, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service and the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation are working towards stabilising the vessel.

“Based on the current operations it is expected that the vessel will be stabilised before 1pm today (Monday).”

Professional divers are also part of the team investigating the incident.

Nidco told those who use the water taxi services that the three operational vessels – Trini Flash, Calypso Sprinter and the Paria Bullet – undergo annual review and certification by the Classification Society (DNV).

“In undergoing this certification, each vessel is taken out of service annually to undergo dry docking.”

This story was originally published with the title "Carnival Runner water taxi taking on water" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

On Monday morning, the Carnival Runner water taxi began taking on water at the San Fernando Terminal on Lady Hailes Avenue.

When Newsday visited the terminal, firemen and officials were seen working on the vessel.

Eyewitnesses told Newsday the boat had been taking in water for several hours.

In a press release, the National Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (NIDCO) said the vessel began taking on water at 4am on Monday.

The release added, “A team of officials from NIDCO, the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service and the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation are working towards stabilising the vessel.

“Based on the current operations it is expected that the vessel will be stabilised before 1pm today (Monday).”

Professional divers are also part of the team investigating the incident.

Nidco assured those who use the water taxi services that the Trini Flash and Calypso Sprinter "continue to achieve their 100 per cent vessel reliability rate and a 98 per cent vessel safety index annually."