Ferry “Volcán de Tirajana” Sidelined Due to Waterjet Damage
The ferry “Volcán de Tirajana” was sidelined on February 27, 2027, after suffering damage to its waterjet fender while navigating through strong winds of 40 knots. The incident occurred at 8:30 p.m., prompting the vessel to moor at the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. Approximately 20 passengers were on board, heading to La Palma. Due to the lack of available accommodation in the city, the passengers spent the night on the ferry, uncertain about when they might depart.
On February 28, the ferry company arranged for the “Bencomo Express” of Fred Olsen to transport the stranded passengers back to the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife. After a brief stop, the “Bencomo Express” continued its journey towards La Palma. This solution came after the Armas Trasmediterránea Group faced challenges in finding a replacement vessel. The “Volcán de Teno,” which typically serves the La Gomera route, has been out of service since mid-December due to limited maneuverability. This situation has raised safety concerns for the crew and passengers, as operating with only three engines affects the ship’s performance.
The limited maneuverability of the “Volcán de Teno” has led to operational delays, resulting in violations of labor regulations. Despite these issues, the fleet manager and executives in Madrid have continued operations without rectifying the situation.
