The ferry Perseverancia and the three catamarans serving the Isle of Youth suffered no significant damage after Hurricane Rafael passed through.
According to the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, although this information is still unconfirmed, it appears that both the port of Gerona and the vessels within it are in good condition.
"The ferry Perseverancia, which is very important for the transportation of passengers and rolling cargo to and from the Isle of Youth, also reports a favorable condition, having taken refuge in Siguanea Cove," it detailed on Facebook.
On Wednesday, after the Civil Defense declared a cyclone alert phase for the western region, including the Special Municipality of Isla de La Juventud, Rodríguez Dávila announced cancellations in transportation.
Traffic between the ports of Batabanó and Nueva Gerona has been suspended until hydrometeorological conditions allow for maritime navigation between these ports.
Passengers with reserved tickets were informed to stay in touch with the commercial offices of Empresa Viajero to reschedule their trips once navigation has been restored.
The maritime transport connecting the Isle of Youth with the main island is in crisis due to the aging of the vessels and the lack of proper maintenance.
In August, the Maritime-Port Business Group (GEMAR) reported on the critical condition of the vessels servicing the routes between Batabanó, Gerona, and Cayo Largo del Sur.
According to an official, the catamarans Río Júcaro and Río Las Casas, which have been in service for over 20 years, are out of operation due to their advanced state of deterioration and the lack of necessary parts and materials for maintenance.
This has left the ferry Perseverancia as the only vessel in operation, leading to its overexploitation.
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