Gambia Ferry Service Issues Warning About Dangers Posed by Fishing Activities on Banjul-Barra Route

Kunta Kinteh Ferry 

By Ramatoulie Jawo 

In a recent press release, the Gambia Ferry Services notified fishermen operating on the Banjul-Barra route about the potential hazards associated with laying fishing nets, lines, and ropes along the ferry lane. The release emphasized that such actions can have significant consequences for ferry operations.

The statement emphasized the serious consequences of such activities, explaining that when fishing gear becomes entangled with the ferry’s propellers, it can result in severe damage to the propulsion system, causing operational disruptions. The press release cited a specific incident on Friday, January 12, 2024, involving Ferry Kanilai, where the propeller transmission shaft suffered damage amounting to approximately D600,000.00. The repair process is expected to take about six weeks, impacting the travel plans of customers who had to endure delays until the issue was resolved, and the ferry resumed service.

“The last incident of Friday, 12 January 2024 on Ferry Kanilai led to the damage of the propeller transmission shaft, which cost about D600,000.00 and takes about 6 weeks to order and deliver to Banjul. This had an impact on our traveling customers who had to wait for hours before the problem was resolved, and the ferry redeployed to service,” the statement reads in part.

The Gambia Ferry Services expressed concern about the financial implications of these incidents, noting that they result in a loss of revenue for the company.

In light of these challenges, the management of GFSC urged fishermen to refrain from laying fishing nets and lines along the ferry route to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the ferry service.