Safety chaos: Juister water taxis closed due to defects!

Safety chaos: Juister water taxis closed due to defects!

In an unpleasant chapter for the Töwerland water taxis, the shuttle connection to the East Frisian island of Juist, the five water taxis have to stay in the harbor for the time being. The transport trade association has shut down the ships due to significant safety deficiencies, reports NDR. Shipowner Jörg Schmidt is outraged and sees this measure as a retaliation from the authorities, who have not always been kind to him in the past.

The safety regulations were tightened by the Federal Ministry of Transport in November 2022. Schmidt led his fleet to Poland to escape the less strict regulations, but now he finds his existence threatened. Missing documents such as a Polish maritime radio number, permission for commercial voyages, as well as numerous technical deficiencies led to the decommissioning. Passengers who should actually have traveled with the water taxis have to switch to the Frisia Reederei ferries. So far, one small boat has been chartered, but it is not enough to replace the entire fleet.

Economic losses and safety precautions

The impact of the shutdown is enormous. Schmidt states that he loses around 200,000 euros in sales per month and employs around 20 people. The professional association, represented by Christian Bubenzer, emphasizes that the safety of passengers is the top priority, not least in view of the tragic incidents in 2022, when four people died in an accident off Terschelling.

At the same time, Schmidt is trying to correct the deficiencies and get his water taxis re-registered. He has already taken measures to equip all ships with two engines to increase safety. Last year, the fleet covered over 120,000 kilometers and carried 40,000 passengers - a living symbol of the importance of this connection.

Accidents on the water

In connection with the safety deficiencies in the water taxis, the events on the water are not without consequences. A few days ago there was a serious accident near Terschelling in which a fast ferry and a water taxi collided. How Bridge radio Reportedly, several people were thrown into the water and four people died, including a 12-year-old boy. Once again the industry is reminding us of the fundamental need for safety standards.

Investigations into the collision, which could have serious consequences not only for the ships directly involved but also for the entire industry, are already underway. Such an accident not only causes sadness, but also raises questions about the existing safety regulations.

Tragic incidents at sea

The discussion about safety is also illuminated by another incident between the cargo ships “Verity” and “Polesie”. In a dramatic accident on October 24th, the “Verity” sank and five people lost their lives Buten and inland reported. Such tragedies emphasize the urgency of continually reviewing and adapting safety regulations.

Shipping companies and authorities are called upon to learn the lessons from these incidents in order to maintain passengers' trust in the safety of water transport. Schmidt and the industry face the challenge of operating in an economically viable and safety-conscious manner. The coming weeks and months will be crucial to rethink the status quo and act effectively.