A ferry that was to have begun serving the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale has been put on hold, due to problems with the Department of Homeland Security, according to company officials.
The European company Balearia was going to operate the service under the name Balèaria Bahamas Express. They issued a statement apologizing to customers inconvenienced by what they termed a "delay" - but remained insistent the route will be launched soon.
"We are working to resolve the unforeseen administrative matters with the US Department of Homeland Security and wish to advise the public that service will commence imminently," said the statement.
No details were offered on the nature of the administrative matters in question.
Balèaria Bahamas Express is majority owned by Balèaria, a leading Spanish shipping company.
The original announcement stated: "The Balèaria Group has more than 13 years of experience operating regular ferry services in Europe. This is the first time that the company will be operating in the United States. We are excited to be offering this service between Port Everglades and the Bahamas. We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard the Pinar del Rio very soon."
When launched, the ferry will leave Grand Bahama at 7.30am every Wednesday and arrive in Fort Lauderdale at 10am. It was to have departed immediately for the return leg, arriving in Grand Bahama at 12.30pm.
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