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KUCHING, Aug 15: The largest floating book fair, the Doulos Hope, which was scheduled to visit Kuching from August 21 to September 4 this year, has cancelled its visit due to manpower issues.
According to a letter signed by ports engagement managing director Augusta Davin and Kuching project coordinator manager Rosa Maria Hernandez, they have been unable to find suitable replacements for required engineering positions which would allow the ship to sail.
“After much searching amongst our professional networks, we have been unable to find suitable replacements for required engineering positions that enable us to sail.
“We understand the significance of this visit to our supporters and partners in Kuching, and we share in the disappointment caused by this cancellation,” the letter said.
According to the letter, the team at Doulos Hope was also eagerly anticipating the visit to Kuching.
“MV Doulos Hope, being based in Asia, greatly values its relationships with various communities and organisations, including Kuching.
“We sincerely appreciate the support for a ship visit, and we had been eagerly looking forward to engaging with the local community during our planned visit.”
Additionally, Doulos Hope apologised for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused.
“Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused and express our heartfelt gratitude for the support and understanding of Port Kuching Authority.
“We look forward to the possibility of returning to Kuching in the near future,” it remarked.
A check of the GBA Ships website today revealed an updated port-of-call schedule. Based on the schedule, Doulos Hope will continue to stay in Penang, where it has been since July 28, until August 28.
The ship will then proceed to Kota Kinabalu, where it will berth from September 6 until October 3.
Doulos Hope has also disclosed its tentative plans to sail to Bangkok, Thailand to visit from October 19 to November 26. Following this, the ship’s next planned port of call is Sihanoukville, Cambodia, tentatively scheduled from December 15 to January 13, 2024.
For additional details, visit the GBA Ships’ website. — DayakDaily
