Makana confirms smoke and significant heat exposure aboard Samantha II
ORANJESTAD — Makana Ferry Service has confirmed that crew members observed smoke in Samantha II’s engine room during Monday evening’s incident and that a subsequent preliminary inspection found evidence of significant heat exposure, mainly around the starboard engine. The vessel remains out of service while the cause is investigated.
The statement follows BES-reporter’s coverage of indications of a possible fire aboard the vessel and questions about ferry safety. The operator’s account confirms smoke and significant heat exposure, although the cause remains undetermined. Crew members reported seeing no flames.
All five passengers and four crew members arrived safely after Samantha II was towed into Oranjestad on October 19.
According to the operator, the vessel was approximately five miles from St. Eustatius on its crossing from St. Kitts when one engine lost power. The captain then shut down the second engine as a safety precaution. The vessel also lost its DC electrical power.
Smoke was observed in the engine room, but conditions and limited lighting prevented the crew from safely investigating its source while at sea.
KTB Responder 2 towed Samantha II into port, assisted by Nora, MV Robby and the Harbour Patrol. No hull damage was identified during the initial assessment.
On October 20, the Sint Maarten flag state inspector and the St. Eustatius marine inspector carried out the preliminary inspection that identified significant heat exposure.
“The cause of the incident, including the source of the heat and smoke, has not been established and the investigation is ongoing,” Operations Manager Alvaro Connor said in the statement.
Samantha II will remain out of service until the necessary investigations, inspections and approvals have been completed. No return date has been announced.
The incident comes while Makana itself remains unavailable following a major engine failure in September. Its engine is undergoing extensive repairs.
The operator acknowledged that the two failures raise questions about vessel condition and the reliability of the service on which Saba and St. Eustatius depend.
Although the causes of the incidents will be assessed independently, the company said it is reviewing maintenance procedures, operational readiness and contingency arrangements across its fleet.
The statement also outlined routine checks, scheduled maintenance and regulatory inspections. It acknowledged, however, that these measures reduce risk without eliminating it, and that the recent incidents warrant an additional review.
Makana Ferry Service is targeting the week of November 9, 2026, for Makana’s return, subject to successful sea trials, inspections and all necessary approvals.
“Safety requirements, not the calendar, will determine the date,” Connor said.
Until Makana returns, the operator plans to use Niki V to maintain service. The smaller vessel will operate under its own safety certification, inspection requirements and approved crewing arrangements.
Its schedule, passenger capacity and arrangements for existing bookings will be published separately through the company’s agents. Passengers requiring additional assistance are advised to contact an agent before travelling.
The operator said the findings of the Samantha II investigation will be shared with the island governments and the community once the investigation is complete, with interim updates when further information becomes available.
12:07 PM
