its future is decided.

The Canima is currently in Fort Lauderdale, having left Bermuda last week. It is expected to leave for the Caribbean by the end of the week, where it will be refitted.

Shortly after leaving the Island, the vessel developed engine trouble and had to return for minor repairs, before heading on its way.

Now owned by Bermuda Island Cruises, the 750-passenger ship was bought from the Government earlier in the year.

BIC owner Donald Morris said it was undecided where the Canima would eventually be used.

Originally he said it would go to Cuba to work alongside other former Bermudian vessels cashing in on a tourism boom on the Island.

Before its departure, the 116-foot tender was in dry dock at Dockyard for preparation work prior to its sale.

It was one of two tenders, costing $1.75 million each, which were used to take cruise ship passengers to Hamilton from vessels moored in the Great Sound.

The other ship, the Bermudian , is used during the summer season for pleasure trips from Hamilton and Dockyard to the East End.