CAPE TOWN, South Africa-
Hundreds of tourists hoping to visit Robben Island and glimpse Nelson Mandela’s prison cell have been disappointed because ferries aren’t up to the trip.
Four out of seven scheduled trips were scrapped on Thursday alone because of mechanical problems afflicting the aging fleet.
Robben Island Museum chief executive officer Paul Langa voiced regret at the cancellations but said the situation was beyond his control. Tour operators, who have had to deal with frustrated clients, blamed poor management.
The problems started last year after the Robben Island Museum did not renew the contact with a ferry operating company run by former political prisoners, saying instead that it planned to build and operate its own vessels.
In the interim it brought back into service four old ships that used to transport guards to the prison. Two of these are currently out of action with mechanical problems.
On a busy day, up to 1,800 people visit the remote island, which was home to anti-apartheid hero Mandela for 18 years and is now classed as U.N. World Heritage site.
