Where's Robben Island?

It should be easy to find.

But Robben Island is proving a tricky target for the landmark's embattled ferry service.

A boat with a full load of tourists got lost in the mist last week, prompting an internal investigation and outrage in the tourism sector, amid claims that ferries to the island have got lost before.

The skipper responsible for the latest incident is a former domestic cleaner who now faces tough questions about her navigational abilities.

"It appears that the Robben Island ferry service offers anything but a smooth ride," said Tourism MEC Alan Winde.

"Non-stop issues have resulted in many visitors choosing to forgo the trip, or being disappointed on the day."

The island would neither deny nor confirm reports that skipper Joyce Mtingeni had been involved in a previous incident.

Last Monday, the ferry under her command, the Susan Kruger, motored past the island due to a malfunctioning radar and had to be rescued.

Two maritime sources involved with the island said Mtingeni had been in trouble before, prompting concern that she might have been "fast-tracked'' and did not have the necessary skills.

"You don't go and experiment [with skippers] out there," said a tourism stakeholder. "Every time they cover up for her. The next time there might be fatalities."

Tour operators said the industry could not afford incidents such as the ferry accident in Hout Bay three years ago, which claimed two lives.

Robben Island spokesman Quinton Mtyala said Mtingeni was suitably qualified with a certificate of competency from the SA Maritime Safety Authority.

The island would reserve judgement on the incident until the investigation was complete, he added.

Mtingeni could not be reached for comment.

Three years ago, the Sunday Times reported on a long list of embarrassing ferry incidents, which surfaced during a labour dispute involving the island's former harbour master.

These included a ferry getting lost in the fog, and a skipper being so drunk he could barely stand.

Recently it was revealed that the island's flagship ferry, Sikhululekile, is too big to clear rocks in the island's harbour.

Although the island's fortunes have improved under new CEO Sibongiseni Mkhize, who inherited an administrative mess, many consider the appointment too little too late.

"What's happening on the water in Cape Town is diabolical," said a boat operator. "We are heading for a huge maritime disaster."