The Island of Youth is once again grappling with challenges in its already precarious maritime transportation system. This Friday, the Cuban regime announced the suspension of sales for the Perseverance ferry, which serves as a critical link between this special municipality and Surgidero de Batabanó in Mayabeque.
On Friday, the reservation company Viajero announced an indefinite halt to the sales of the Perseverance ferry, both through the Viajando app and at physical reservation offices. An official statement, signed by Ramón Leyva Morales, Communication and Marketing Specialist at Viajero's central office, stated that this measure will remain in place "until further notice."
Residents of this special municipality have expressed frustration over the situation, as they heavily rely on this transportation method to connect with the Batabanó port in Mayabeque. Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila acknowledged in a Facebook post that the measure has adversely affected many individuals, especially those with sick patients who depend on the service, as well as Cubans planning to travel abroad who need to reach Havana's airport.
Maritime Challenges Exacerbated by Natural Events
Rodríguez Dávila explained that "following the ferry Perseverance's return trip from Batabanó to Nueva Gerona last Sunday, it was necessary to halt the regular operations of this vessel, the only one currently offering passenger maritime transportation" between the two ports. This pause aims to "enhance the conditions of the access channel at Surgidero de Batabanó port, whose depth had been decreasing." The interruption comes just four days after Rodríguez Dávila announced the resumption of ferry services following Hurricane Rafael's impact.
The cyclone severely impacted the Batabanó port, displacing buoys and causing sediment accumulation that hindered maritime operations. However, the government claimed the ferry itself was not affected. Residents of the Island of Youth have voiced their displeasure at what they perceive as increasing isolation of their territory. Maritime transport is essential for ensuring the supply of goods and services, as well as passenger mobility.
"The lack of a stable solution for maritime connectivity affects not only families but also commercial and tourism activities," remarked a resident of Nueva Gerona, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing transportation issues.