3 days ago
Passengers stuck on N.S.-P.E.I. ferry for hours due to technical problem with newest vessel
Northumberland Ferries Ltd. cancelled two crossings between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia on Wednesday due to a problem with the company's newest vessel.
On its website, NFL said an "ongoing technical issue" with MV Northumberland led to the cancellation of the 5 p.m. departure from Caribou, N.S., and the 6:30 p.m. crossing leaving Wood Islands, P.E.I.
Jeff Joyce, the general manager of Northumberland Ferries, told CBC News that one of four metal pins that secure the ferry's bow visor — the large door that raises to let vehicles drive on and off the ship — would not release as the vessel arrived in Caribou around midday Wednesday.
Crews tried unsuccessfully to unlock the door, but ultimately had to move the Northumberland out of the way so that the company's other ferry, MV Confederation, could dock and drop off its load of passengers.
Service will resume Thursday, says NFL
The Northumberland left P.E.I. bound for Nova Scotia at 11:45 a.m. and was due to unload in Caribou about 75 minutes after leaving the Island, or 1 p.m. As of 4:30 p.m., Northumberland's passengers were still onboard, with posts on social media saying they were being offered free food and drinks as the ship headed back to Wood Islands.
Joyce said the ship would have to turn around to unload its complement of cars and trucks through the operational bow visor at the other end, meaning at least some passengers would have to reverse out of the ferry.
Just before 5 p.m., he confirmed the ferry had docked in P.E.I. and unloading was underway.
Joyce said MV Northumberland will be in service on Thursday. He said it can operate with three of the four metal pins, along with one temporary pin.
