because of flooding in its engine room.

Director of Marine and Ports Mr. Ron Ross confirmed that the ferry, Corona , had to be brought back to the Hamilton terminal around lunchtime.

"It got a flooding in the engine room,'' he explained. "The fire brigade assisted in pumping it out in Hamilton.'' Mr. Ross said he did not know how many passengers the ferry was carrying at the time but the rescue operation took between 15-20 minutes. He said the repairs, which were expected to be finished yesterday, would cost about $500.