The iconic Regla ferry, a crucial maritime connection for Havana residents crossing the bay, found itself stranded this Wednesday around noon, as reported by various social media platforms.
According to a post shared in the Facebook group "Transportación Habana," the incident took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., when the ferry halted in the middle of the bay.
"The Regla ferry is stranded in Havana Bay. It has been towed back to the Luz Dock," stated the post, a frequent source of updates on transportation disruptions in the capital.
The message also highlighted that this was not the first time such an issue has occurred with this popular ferry service, heavily relied upon by residents of Regla, Casablanca, and Old Havana.
The same source noted that a similar incident had happened months prior, "jeopardizing the lives of those aboard the Regla ferry."
The post concluded with a critique of the temporary fixes often applied: "The Regla ferry deserves safe navigation, as every life it carries is invaluable. We demand lasting solutions, not emergency tows."
As of the article's publication, no official statements have been made regarding the incident.
There is also no clarity on the suspected malfunction's cause or the ferry's technical condition after being towed.
Cuba's Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, has yet to publicly confirm or deny the event.
Recurring Technical Challenges in Maritime Transport
This incident follows closely after the Ministry of Transportation disclosed technical issues affecting the ferries operating in the bay.
In late February, Minister Rodríguez Dávila announced a temporary suspension of the Regla ferry service due to the failure of the "Giraldilla" ferry's drive shaft, which at the time was the only operational vessel.
According to his explanation, the repairs involved machining work and adjustments to components like bushings and the propeller, with the expectation of restoring service by March 10.
On the same day, the planned launch of the "La Coubre" ferry took place. Its repairs had been prolonged due to the complexity of the work and interruptions caused by the country's energy crisis.
Upgrades to "La Coubre" included a new engine, hull plate replacements, electrical repairs, and structural and safety system adjustments.
Nevertheless, the recovery of maritime services in the bay has been sluggish.
Other vessels assigned to this route, such as "4to Congreso" and the tugboat ABA-3, remain in various repair stages, while the "300 Aniversario" ferry is still awaiting funding for maintenance.
Longstanding Issues Plaguing the Fleet
The fleet responsible for maritime transport across Havana Bay has been plagued by technical problems for years.
In February 2024, the minister himself admitted that only one out of the six vessels designated for this service was operational, with the rest sidelined by mechanical issues.
Throughout that year, multiple interruptions were reported. For instance, in May 2024, the service was halted when the propeller of the only functioning ferry detached and plunged into the water.
Beyond technical malfunctions, the system has also faced disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
These service interruptions have caused frustration among the thousands of passengers who rely on this mode of transport to journey daily between Regla, Casablanca, and Old Havana — a trip that can be significantly more arduous and lengthy by land.
The ferry mishap also comes amid a severe public transportation crisis in the capital, characterized by fuel shortages and a lack of buses.
A recent report from Cubadebate highlighted that, due to the scarcity of buses, an increasing number of Havana residents have turned to tricycles, motorcycles, and electric bicycles to navigate the city.
Understanding the Regla Ferry Challenges
What caused the Regla ferry to become stranded?
The exact cause of the Regla ferry becoming stranded remains unclear, as no official statements have been made regarding the incident or the ferry's technical condition after being towed.
What measures are being taken to restore ferry services in Havana Bay?
Efforts to restore ferry services include repairing existing vessels, such as the "Giraldilla" and "La Coubre," and addressing technical issues with other ferries in the fleet, although progress has been slow.