Terrifying experience going to Robben Island

Always wanted to see where Nelson Mandela was kept for 20 + years

That did not happen. the boat got lost going to the island.

we had to be rescued.

now i here the captain used to be Domestic worker.

Think i will watch the video rather.

I once went on a strange boat trip

Sly, look on the bright side, you were rescued, the boat could have been drifting towards the Antarctic by now, at least the cap-tuin had presence of mind to radio for help. I sincerely hope they refunded your money.

Bayern...No refunds after the boat has set sail

On the positive side - at least everyone is safe and sound

Neven777 wrote: Bayern...No refunds after the boat has set sail

On the positive side - at least everyone is safe and sound

Neven, it was intended to be light-hearted, but I appreciate your point.

Surely Sly did not pay for a trip to nowhere plus the psychologically trauma? Even if they offered a "free trip" the next day, would you go?

Robben Island ferry gets lost
2015-01-12 16:14
Cape Town – Tourists wanting to visit the landmark Robben Island have had anything but a smooth ride, after the Susan Kruger ferry suffered a malfunction with its radar, motored past the island and had to be rescued.

Times Live reports the skipper responsible for the latest incident is "a former domestic cleaner" who is now facing a formal investigation into her navigational abilities.

The latest maritime malfunction, said to be one of a long list over the last couple of years, has prompted concern that skipper Joyce Mtingeni might have been "fast-tracked'', despite not having the necessary skills. Other incidents reportedly include a ferry getting lost in the fog and a skipper being so drunk he could barely stand.

Tourism stakeholders have expressed alarm, stating that people are being put at risk and all that was needed was for “another Hout Bay incident to happen”. A boat capsized three years ago, claiming two lives.

Spokesperson for Robben Island Quinton Mtyala confirmed that Mtingeni was suitably qualified with a certificate of competency from the SA Maritime Safety Authority.

The Susan Kruger getting lost comes on the back of an underwater survey of Robben Island's Murray's Bay Harbour, which shows that an outcrop of rocks has seen repeated damage caused to the R26-million Sikhululekile tourist ferry.

IOL reports the previous Robben Island Museum management was not aware of the rocky outcrops in Murray’s Bay harbour, therefore they failed to commission a ferry with a shallow draught.

The survey has prompted the sale of the Sikhululekile ferry, which has been out of operation for nearly a year, since it continuously damages its hull on the rocks, especially at low-tide. The rocks however pose no problems to the Dias and the Susan Kruger ferries since these both have shallower draughts.

Have you visited Robben Island recently, tell us about your experience by posting a comment below or emailing info@traveller24.comor come join us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

We took the trip on a very wet, miserable, bleak day and I think that made the experience even better consider what the man had gone through.
It a must visit if u are in SA

bayern wrote:

Neven777 wrote: Bayern...No refunds after the boat has set sail

On the positive side - at least everyone is safe and sound

Neven, it was intended to be light-hearted, but I appreciate your point.

Surely Sly did not pay for a trip to nowhere plus the psychologically trauma? Even if they offered a "free trip" the next day, would you go?

Bayern - my response was also light hearted about the refund bud

I went there in 1980 on the Blouberg,not as a tourist
I survived,the trauma,that is

LOL.. How u miss robben island it's only island in the area..