with pix courtesy of Konsortium Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd
LANGKAWI: Over 160 ferry passengers endured a slow five-hour journey after one engine broke down shortly after departing from Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal yesterday.
The ferry experienced engine trouble approximately 7.5 nautical miles from shore, just 15 minutes after leaving at 6.30pm.
Konsortium Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd's Human Resources and Operations manager, Captain Dr Baharin Baharom said that while technicians managed to repair one engine, the second remained out of commission.
"Considering the low tide in Kuala Kedah, below 1.2 metres, it was unsafe to turn back as the ferry risked getting stuck on a sandbar. Turning back would have delayed arrival until about 2.30am due to high tide starting at midnight," he said.
After careful deliberation, the management opted to continue the voyage to Langkawi with one engine operating at 9.6 knots.
Accompanied by a tugboat, the ferry finally docked at Kuah Ferry Terminal in Langkawi around 11.45pm.
"Passengers were provided meals by the tugboat upon departure from Kuala Kedah and received additional meals upon arrival at Kuah Ferry Terminal," Baharin added.