In a news release earlier today, the Gambia Ferry Service Company Limited (GFSC) blamed random fishing activities for the breakdown of propellers and the length of time needed to fix the mechanical faults.

The ferry service has therefore expressed concern over the risky fishing practices along the Banjul-Barra Ferry route. The company emphasized the risks that these fishing operations pose to crew members and passengers, as they interfere with the movement between Barra and Banjul.

“When fishing nets, lanes, and ropes get entangled with the propeller, they cause severe damage to the propulsion system, thereby bringing the operation to a halt,” said GFSC in the press release received by the Gambia Journal.

According to the press release, the damage to the propeller transmission shaft, which costs around D600,000.00 and takes approximately six weeks to purchase and deliver to Banjul, was the cause of the most recent incident that occurred last Friday, leaving passengers on board the Kanilai Ferry stranded in the water for hours.

Ferry Management consequently claims that this incident and others have resulted in a loss of revenue for the business.

The Ferry Service warns fishermen along the Banjul-Barra route about the potential dangers of laying fishing nets, lines, and ropes along the ferry lane, urging them to avoid such actions.