The Government tender Bermudian broke loose during Hurricane Igor because of a failure in its connection to its mooring, according to Marine and Ports.

A spokesperson at the department said this had been surmised following yesterday's inspection of the grounded ferry because the mooring buoy itself had remained on location.

"At this stage we are still investigating," The Royal Gazette was told.

Marine and Ports intends to float the vessel "within the next couple of days".

Yesterday, debris was being removed around the vessel, and engineers were transferring fuel and water to lighten it.

Marine and Ports was also in the process of removing the port [left] rudder and propeller to avoid potential damage once the vessel is refloated.

A press release issued by the department said it was fortunate that the bottom plating of the Bermudian had remained intact after the vessel was driven onto the shoreline.

The overall cost of damages to the Bermudian could not yet be specified, but its starboard [right] rudder was broken at its connection and further damage was sustained by the starboard propeller when the boat ran aground.

The Marine and Ports spokesperson said the department has spare rudders and propeller that were supplied as ship spares, and that repairs would be carried out by the department's staff.

"Once the vessel is dry-docked we will undertake another survey and following the survey we will be in a better position to provide final repair cost estimates," he stated.

A large ferry with three decks, the Bermudian had been used to convey cruise ship passengers from the Veendam into the Town of St. George.

No decision has been made on the provision of tender service to the cruise ship Veendam for her final two calls to the Island on September 28 and October 6.