Passengers travelling on the route between La Gomera and Tenerife with Fred.Olsen experienced a major scare yesterday, Saturday, (March 30th), as during the crossing one of the cars on the ferry fell into the sea and started gradually sinking.
In the footage below, recorded by the passengers themselves, a dark-coloured car can be seen in the middle of the sea.
⚠️‼️ Cae al mar un coche que viajaba en Bodega desde un Ferry que se dirigía a Tenerife
— Onda Fuerteventura (@OndaFTV) March 30, 2024
‼️⛴️ El suceso ocurrió a escasos minutos de zarpar del muelle de San Sebastián de La Gomera hacia Los Cristianos #OndaFuerteventura #Tenerife #Ferry #Suceso #FenómenoCostero #DiariodeAvisos pic.twitter.com/ViuOdk8B4G
At present, the cause of the incident remains unknown, although the company is already conducting an internal investigation especially as the sea was very calm, and that it happened not long after departing from San Sebastian port in La Gomera.
According to the protocols, both cars and vans must be parked with the gear engaged, the handbrake on, and the steering wheel turned to the right. In addition, the ferry company's staff are responsible for placing chocks under the wheels of vehicles, if they deem necessary, to prevent unwanted movements.
Interestingly, approximately 18 months ago, a similar incident occurred on another journey operated by the same ferry company and on the same route.
On that occasion, it involved a vehicle owned by one of the Gold Class passengers, who were the first to board and occupy the parking spaces in the hold closest to the entrance and exit ramp.
