Mechanical failure again blocks ferry service connecting Nova Scotia to PEI
CHARLOTTETOWN – The company that operates the ferry service connecting Nova Scotia to eastern Prince Edward Island says the MV Confederation – the only ferry to operate that route – was taken out of service today due to a mechanical malfunction that may not be fixed until Saturday.
The ferry had resumed its route between Caribou, NS, and Wood Islands, PEI, Saturday after a two-week absence, again due to a mechanical problem.
Northumberland Ferries Limited issued a statement today saying service has been disrupted by a “further mechanical issue”.
Senior vice president Mark Wilson said today that the parts needed to repair the ship have yet to arrive, and he confirmed the company expects repairs to be completed by July 8.
Wilson says the company is not accepting bookings before that date as a precaution and confirmed that all customers with reservations for sailings through July 7 will receive a refund.
He says a second vessel, the MV Saaremaa 1, will not be available until mid-July to handle peak season traffic.
“We fully understand the inconvenience this is causing to our customers and we are deeply sorry for this inconvenience,” he said in a statement. “We are doing everything we can to safely resume services as soon as possible.”
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 3, 2023.
