News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Ferry service to Grand Manan Island has resumed, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams announced today.

The MV Grand Manan has been called back into service after the regular ferry, the Grand Manan V, experienced mechanical difficulties and some structural damage while docking on Wednesday, May 18.

The vessel lost propulsion control and came to rest on a ledge about 20 metres from the wharf in Blacks Harbour on Wednesday morning. Crew members quickly evacuated the 100 passengers without incident.

"We have now assessed the damage and determined that the Grand Manan V must be sent to dry dock for repairs to its hull plates," said Williams. "We anticipate it will be early to mid-June before it is back in service.

"While the MV Grand Manan has a smaller capacity than the regular ferry, our priority is to ensure that the people of this region receive service as soon as possible," he said.
 
The MV Grand Manan can transport 25 cars and 100 passengers on each crossing, and will make five runs per day.

The ferry will operate on the following schedule:

Departing Grand Manan at:

●    7:30 a.m.
●    11:30 a.m.
●    3:30 p.m.
●    7 p.m.
●    11 p.m.

Departing Blacks Harbour at:

●    1 a.m.
●    9:30 a.m.
●    1:30 p.m.
●    5:30 p.m.
●    9 p.m.

For further information on the schedule of the Grand Manan ferry service, contact Coastal Transport Ltd. at 506-662-3724 or check online.

LINK:

●    Coastal Transport Ltd.: www.coastaltransport.ca