Long lines and frustration marked the scene at the Scarborough port on July 2 as hundreds of people stranded in Tobago due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl rushed to board one of the three sailings to Trinidad. All sailings had been canceled on July 1 as a precaution, but the hurricane ended up sparing the island from severe damage.
From the early hours of the morning, crowds descended on the port in hopes of securing a spot on one of the inter-island fast ferries scheduled to depart at 12 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm. Those with confirmed tickets for July 2 were given first priority, but by 9 am, a line of cars stretched nearly 200 meters along Milford Road.
One frustrated Trinidadian woman expressed her displeasure with the chaotic situation, sharing her disappointment at not being able to return home as planned after a weekend visit to Tobago. Another passenger echoed the sentiment, highlighting the lack of organization and communication at the port.
Some passengers, eager to return home, voiced their frustration at the lack of standby tickets being sold, while others, like Anil Thomas McIntosh, remained hopeful despite the long wait. TT Inter-island Transportation Company Limited (TTIT) acting CEO Vilma Lewis-Cockburn assured Newsday that all affected passengers would be accommodated by July 3, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the mayhem of the day.
