By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

During the rainy seasons in Sierra Leone, commuters between Lungi and Freetown often face a crucial decision: whether to brave the congested ferries or opt for faster, although riskier, alternatives like larger boats. This trend towards using bigger vessels raises significant concerns regarding safety, environmental impact, and the oversight of maritime authorities.

One of the most alarming consequences of larger boats plying the Lungi-Freetown route is compromised safety. These vessels are often not designed for regular passenger transport, lacking the necessary safety features and certifications required for ferrying passengers. In contrast, ferries are specifically built and maintained to meet stringent safety standards, including regular inspections and safety drills. The absence of these measures on larger boats significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions prevalent during the rainy seasons.

Recently, an incident unfolded that vividly underscored the dangers associated with opting for larger boats instead of ferries for the Lungi-Freetown Sea route. I, like many others, found myself in a precarious situation due to this decision. The experience left me contemplating the inherent risks and the critical role of maritime authorities in safeguarding sea travellers.

Choosing to board a bigger boat after missing the scheduled 11 o’clock ferry seemed like a convenient alternative at the time. Little did I realize the potential consequences of this choice. While ferry services are regulated and follow strict safety protocols, the larger boats, though seemingly robust, lack the same level of oversight and safety measures. This became painfully clear when adverse weather conditions quickly turned a routine journey into a nightmare.

As we ventured into the sea, a heavy breeze suddenly descended upon us, causing panic among passengers. The lack of proper navigation or adequate control mechanisms on the boat exacerbated our fears. Calls for the captain to reverse course went unheeded, leading to a distressing ordeal where our safety felt compromised at every moment. It was only through sheer luck and the resilience of some onboard that we managed to avoid a more catastrophic outcome.

The responsibility for regulating maritime transportation falls squarely on the shoulders of Sierra Leone’s maritime authorities. However, the effectiveness of these regulatory bodies in overseeing the use of larger boats remains questionable. There is a clear need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and regulations governing vessel operations on the Lungi-Freetown route. Maritime authorities must conduct regular inspections, enforce passenger limits, and ensure that only certified vessels are permitted to transport passengers across these waters.

While the temptation to use larger boats for quicker crossings during the rainy seasons may be understandable, the risks far outweigh the benefits. The safety of commuters, the protection of Sierra Leone’s marine environment, and the effective governance of maritime transportation demand a revaluation of current practices. It is imperative that both users and authorities prioritize safety and sustainability over convenience and expedience. By enforcing stricter regulations and investing in safer, more environmentally friendly ferry services, Sierra Leone can ensure a safer and more sustainable future for its maritime commuters.

The use of larger boats on the Lungi-Freetown water route during the rainy seasons poses serious risks that must not be overlooked. It is time for decisive action by all stakeholders to safeguard lives, protect the environment, and uphold the standards of maritime safety and governance in Sierra Leone.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, July 5th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)