Ferry System in crisis: McKenna
For Immediate Release
(May 10, 2024 St. John’s, NL): Jim McKenna, PC Opposition MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, today raised concerns about the latest crisis affecting the provincial ferry system.
McKenna was reacting to the fire yesterday abroad the MV Flanders which has put it out of service. McKenna noted, due to a lack of planning, the provincial ferry system lacks a vessel which could be used during refits or emergencies.
“First of all, let me commend the Captain and crew for their efforts to get the boat docked and everyone safely off. I am also glad to note the crew members have all been released from hospital. However, we already have several vessels on dry dock and the crab fishery is busy on Fogo Island and the tourist season is picking up. What is the plan for the various ferry runs?”
McKenna noted the private sourced MV Kamutik W is servicing the Fogo Island-Change Islands run, but is scheduled to go into dry dock May 21. The normal provincial government vessel, MV Veteran, is still in dry dock with rumours of an additional two month delay.
“Residents are continually frustrated by the lack of information from the Liberal Government. It is time for the Minister to come out and provide information on what vessel is going where.”
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Contacts:
Ashley Jackson-Politi
Media Relations Manager
(W) (709) 685-3161
(C) (709) 325-5200