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Good turnout at Tinian fiesta causes delay of ferry services
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Posted on May 07 2006
Ferry services coming from Tinian were delayed yesterday for 30 minutes due to hundreds of Saipan-based passengers who attended the weekend Tinian San Jose Fiesta celebrations.
Staff of Tinian Shipping and Transportation Inc. told the Saipan Tribune that the two trips departing Tinian were delayed because there were so many passengers.
The staff said about 30 people failed to board the scheduled 8am trip as the ferry is limited to carry only 333 passengers.
Those who stayed at Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino were the priority passengers. It was first come, first served for the other passengers.
The scheduled 1pm last trip, which was free, docked at Saipan pier at 2:35pm or about 35 minutes late. Some 20 to 30 passengers were denied boarding, a ferry employee said.
Ferry staff and some passengers said although there were so many people waiting at Tinian pier, the boarding was orderly because of the presence of ports authorities.
One passenger said those who failed to make the ferry, including students, were worried because they have work and classes today.
The only option for those stranded would be the chartered plane flights as the next ferry service to depart Tinian is today at 8am.
Gerry Mora, an employee of Saipan Stevedore, arrived at Saipan port before 2pm yesterday to pick up his wife and two children.
“My wife called me to pick them up. I was not told that the ferry would be delayed. In fact I’m not sure if they were able to board the ferry,” said Mora, who was among those people who patiently waited for their family members and friends.
Many passengers said they had fun because of the many Fiesta activities prepared by the Tinian government and the Tinian hotel during the weekend.
The fiesta celebrations started May 1 and ended yesterday.
