(CMR) Former government minister Osbourne (Ossie) Bodden and a large contingent of visitors to Little Cayman were airlifted with the help of the police helicopter after a Cayman Airways mechanical issue left them stranded.
Exclusive sources shared that over 60 people were stranded on the 10-mile long island after arriving over the weekend to celebrate several birthday events including Bodden's. It is a bit of a tradition for him to celebrate his birthday with two other good friends who share birthdays on the same day. Bob Watler, Ossie Bodden and Ruth Williams were all born on November 3. Previous years were spent celebrating in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere. However, due to COVID travel restrictions, there was no place like the beautiful Little Cayman for the groups.
However, the twin otter broke down and was awaiting a part leaving a number of groups unable to return to Grand Cayman. 48 people in total were extracted in three hours yesterday afternoon to Cayman Brac. They were then able to hop on the jet to return to Grand Cayman late last night. The helicopter extraction took four trips back and forth and the twin Otter did two flights.
This caused a lot of observers on Little Cayman to enjoy the relative excitement for the day.
They were originally scheduled to leave on Wednesday but because of the plane issues, their departure was delayed. The remaining persons were due to return sometime today. CMR understands that some luggage was left behind and the only worry was the welfare of some snapper and jacks in the luggage.
Travel between the sister islands continues to be very busy with Cayman Airways putting on extra flights.
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