mystery last night after a Government deadline for its owners to give a continued commitment to the Island passed without news.

Tourism chiefs gave owners Commodore Holdings -- who have filed for bankruptcy protection -- until yesterday to guarantee that Crown Dynasty or a replacement ship will run to Dockyard this season.

Director of Tourism Richard Calderon said the department would look for an alternative operator if Commodore Holdings could not guarantee to bring a ship this season.

Tourism Minister David Allen was to issue a statement by the end of the day, but no answers were forthcoming by press time last night.

If tourism bosses are forced to look for a new operator they will face a race against time to find a new ship in less than five months.