The Island of Youth is at risk of being isolated due to a maritime transportation crisis.

Isla de la Juventud is facing a serious risk of becoming isolated due to the maritime transport crisis currently affecting connectivity with the rest of the country.

According to the Cuban Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, ensuring transportation to and from the island has always been a priority, but the aging of the vessels and the lack of proper maintenance are pushing the situation to the limit.

The Maritime-Port Business Group (GEMAR) recently reported on the critical condition of the vessels responsible for covering the routes between Batabanó, Gerona, and Cayo Largo del Sur, said the official in a Facebook post.

The catamarans "Río Júcaro" and "Río Las Casas," which have been in service for more than 20 years, are out of operation due to their advanced deterioration and the lack of necessary parts and materials for their maintenance, he added.

It explains that such a situation has left the ferry "Perseverancia" as the only operational vessel, which has led to its overexploitation.

Since August 11, passenger transportation is only being carried out with the ferry "Perseverancia," which has forced the need to take extra precautions to prevent deterioration, said Rodríguez Dávila, who in May also acknowledged the terrible service for traveling to the Isle of Youth.

However, this vessel cannot operate on the route to Cayo Largo del Sur due to its greater draft, which exceeds the limitations of the docking area at the key.

Now the authorities are coordinating air alternatives for the coming days, but the lack of availability of the plane that services this route complicates the situation even further.

The minister noted that intensive efforts are currently being made to repair an unforeseen breakdown in the port side main engine of the catamaran "Río Las Casas," which went out of service on August 10, and its return to operation will depend on the success of the ongoing repairs.

In addition, work is being done on the repair of two main machines in shipyards abroad, which could provide greater operational stability and allow for the repair of the catamaran "Río Júcaro."