Speaking for the first time since the maritime collision involving the ‘Spirit of Bermuda’ and the Government ferry ‘Resolute’, the Executive Director of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, Branwen Smith-King said repairs will be carried out over the next few weeks.
Few details on how the collision occurred have been released on the incident, which occurred in Dundonald Channel in waters off Dockyard on Friday night shortly after 9pm. No injuries were reported.
In a statement released this evening, Ms Smith-King said: “An initial survey indicates that all other systems including the hull are fine.”
As the investigation by Marine Police continues, she said: “It is our belief that the captain and crew acted in a professional manner. It’s our hope to have this work completed so the 2017-18 school voyages can start on schedule.
“The replacement of the bowsprit will be necessary for future overseas voyages,” she said. “We would like to thank the Bermuda public for their assistance, concerns and best wishes.”
Further updates will be released once the results of the ship’s surveys are known.
Marine police responded to the reported collision and “civilian watercraft came to the assistance of both vessels involved, transporting passengers safely ashore”.
Bermuda Real also understands a number of Marine and Ports employees were called in to assist, working late into the night on Friday.
