STABROEK NEWS, NOV 17 --- The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) says it is currently investigating the circumstances which resulted in the MV SABANTO running aground on to Wakenaam Island during the wee hours of today.

The China-supplied vessel, along with its sister ship the MV KANAWAN, plies the Supenaam/Parika route.

The T&HD release said that the mishap reportedly occurred at around 00:35 h as the vessel was enroute to Supenaam with passengers and crew. No injuries were reported.

Passengers disembarked at firstlight by water taxis which responded to the vessel’s distress signal, the release said.

Assessments by mariners, marine surveyors and engineers are currently underway to determine damage to the vessel and the best method of safely taking it off.

In the meantime, efforts will be made to offload the three trucks and seven cars still onboard.

Favourable tides which will help a refloating operation by means of tugs are anticipated at the upcoming weekend, the release said.

Traffic movement will be maintained at normal levels by a doubling up of the runs of the MV KANAWAN and MV MALALI, the release said.