Tours to Robben Island have resumed normally following an incident of suspected sabotage that saw the suspension of operations yesterday (Thursday).

Robben Island Museum (RIM) confirmed to Tourism Update today (Friday) that  morning tours for Thursday, January 9 had to be cancelled due to suspected sabotage to one of its vessels.

"Unfortunately, there appears to have been possible sabotage with the tampering of one of RIM’s owned vessel that transported staff members from the island at 06h30 to Nelson Mandela Gateway. This prevented RIM-outsourced vessels from docking to board the 08h00 and 09h00 tour," said RIM.

National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union, RIM employees’ representative union, began a legally protected strike on Monday, January 6. The strike includes employees in the departments of tour guides, boat crews, marketing and ticket sales.

RIM provided assurances on Monday that operations were continuing normally and that they would work closely with the South African Police Services, the V&A Waterfront and its own internal security service provider, to ensure the safety of tourists.

"Given the severity of the incident, the matter will be investigated. In the event that possible sabotage is substantiated, RIM will institute necessary human resources, legal and criminal charges," said RIM.

 No further delays were anticipated for the remainder of the day on Thursday. It is still unclear as to when the strike will end.