ST. EUSTSTIUS--All stranded passengers have safely returned home following an engine shutdown aboard the "MV Samantha 2" during its return trip from St. Kitts.
On Monday night, residents of Lower Town, particularly those near the boardwalk in St. Eustatius, witnessed the disabled vessel being towed into the harbour by the tugboat “NE 55”. The “Samantha 2” was brought to the Charles A. Woodley Pier, where employees and concerned citizens awaited its arrival.
Information reaching “The Daily Herald” indicated that the "MV Samantha 2" experienced a total engine shutdown while returning from St. Kitts with five passengers on board.
A rescue operation was initiated, with the “MV Nora”, the “JTB Responder”, two tugboats, the Harbor Patrol, and the “MV Robby” requested to assist in the response. The vessel was located near the border between St. Kitts and St. Eustatius, closer to St. Kitts, before being towed to St. Eustatius.
The vessel was brought to the island while awaiting an inspection to determine the cause of the engine shutdown, according to a spokesperson.
By Tuesday, the passengers had been informed that their departure would be delayed. During the day, the "MV Samantha 2" was inspected by an inspector who resides on St. Eustatius.
Meanwhile, the stranded passengers from Saba were seen boarding the luxury yacht “Solara”, which had been chartered by “Makana Ferry” to transport them home from St. Maarten.
The yacht made two trips to Saba on Tuesday afternoon. The first trip took place around noon, followed by a second trip at approximately 3:00pm.
Relief was evident in a message shared by one of the senior passengers, who confirmed that they had arrived home safely.
By Tuesday afternoon, the stranded passengers from Saba were on their way home aboard the “Solara”, bringing an end to their unexpected travel disruption.
