A section of Dominica’s boardwalk experienced a structural failure on Thursday after being overwhelmed by an excessive concentration of visitors, according to Port Manager Darwin Telemaque. The incident occurred when a critical number of individuals gathered in a single area, exceeding the structure’s load capacity and resulting in a fractured tile that subsequently collapsed.
Mr. Telemaque confirmed that despite this localized infrastructure failure, all cruise ship operations continue uninterrupted at the port. Emergency repair crews have been dispatched to the damaged section, with full restoration anticipated within the next 48-72 hours.
In a proactive safety measure, water taxi services have been temporarily relocated to the Montserrat Ferry Terminal. This strategic relocation aims to distribute passenger traffic more evenly and prevent potential overcrowding scenarios while repairs are underway. Port authorities emphasize that these precautions are strictly preventive and reflect their commitment to visitor safety rather than indicating broader structural concerns.
The incident has prompted port management to review crowd management protocols and structural load assessments for high-traffic waterfront areas. Officials confirm that no injuries were reported in the partial collapse, and all tourist activities continue normally with minimal disruption to visitor experiences.