Travel Trident reassures that Herm service to stay

The company is locked in a dispute with the island’s management who are considering starting up their own service.

‘On behalf of Travel Trident I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our valued customers that Trident will continue operating a boat service to Herm Island as we’ve done so since man first landed on the moon, next season clocks up 52 years of service,’ said managing director Peter Wilcox.

‘Sadly the harmonious working relationship once enjoyed with Herm management has faltered.

‘The draft contract proposal presented by Herm is unrealistic and will in all likelihood have cost implications to both Trident and its passengers. Please be assured that boat fares for 2021 will remain the same as this year; we’ve not changed; we are the same company that many

of you will have grown up with.

‘We feel honoured that locals regard Trident as their ferry, a tradition that transports them to the idyllic island that provides us all with happy memories.’

He said that they looked forward to offering a boat service for many years to come.

‘Trident is here to stay. Competition from others will give you a choice, quite possibly a good thing, a challenge we must accept and overcome with your support.

‘We wish Herm Island and its management team well, we can only hope to rebuild what we once had, and in my opinion we need each other to succeed. The previous tenant was able to show profit, treated its visitors with respect, offered quality service and value for money. Herm was pristine, fine attention to detail, a heart and soul family presentation and there for all to enjoy, locals and visitors were well received and appreciated, it all worked rather well.

‘I sincerely hope that you will continue to support Herm Island whatever the outcome, in doing so you will be supporting Trident. Despite current issues, Herm Island itself remains enchanting and magical, we should be grateful having them next door.’

It emerged last week that Herm was investigating running its own boat service after contract talks with Travel Trident reached a stalemate.

The contract for the island service ended in March and only a verbal agreement is now in place.

Herm Island CEO Craig Senior said it the agreement was ended by mutual agreement. ‘The contract was nine years out of date and had been just left to run.’

Efforts to secure a long-term contract had not been successful, he said.