Salvage Operations Successful for Tobago’s Island Vybz Boat

Island Vybz Refloated as Frankie Tours Begins Investigation Into Cause of Sinking

Frankie Tours says an investigation will now be conducted to determine what caused its Island Vybz tour boat to sink, after the vessel was successfully refloated during an early-morning salvage operation in Tobago.

The recovery operation began around 3 a.m., with the vessel eventually brought back afloat as crews worked to recover it from the water.

Speaking following the operation, Frankie said getting Island Vybz floating again represented only the first stage of what is expected to be a wider recovery process.

“We’re going to do the investigation first. We’re going to figure out what caused the boat to go down,” he said.

He explained that once the cause is examined, attention will turn to the necessary repairs and preparations required before Island Vybz can return to passenger service.

According to Frankie, the vessel is expected to be taken out of the water and undergo repairs, inspections, resurveying and insurance procedures.

“We’re going to do a total re-do over, paint up, fix up, check whatever problem,” he said, stressing that the necessary work would be completed before the boat is returned to the water.

Frankie initially estimated that the process could take about a month, although he later suggested the work could potentially be completed within approximately three weeks.

The operator expressed confidence that Island Vybz would be ready well ahead of the Carnival period.

For customers concerned about the interruption, Frankie said the company’s second vessel, Millennium One, remains operational and available to serve passengers while work continues on Island Vybz.

He also thanked members of the public who sent prayers, well wishes and positive messages following the incident.

Frankie acknowledged that setbacks can occur but said the company intends to learn from what happened and move forward.

“From here onwards, we’re going to move forward, and we’re going to put this in the back of us, and life goes on,” he said.

The cause of the incident remains undetermined pending the planned investigation. Island Vybz is not expected to return to service until the required repairs, inspections and other procedures outlined by its operator are completed.

Article and image source: tiktok.com