Both Marine Atlantic ferries back on the move
Coast Guard icebreaker escorts both ships across the Cabot Strait
Two Marine Atlantic ferries that were stuck due to thick sea ice are back in operation after getting assistance from a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker.
The MV Highlanders, which had been stuck in ice off Cape Breton with 190 passengers aboard, was finally moving again Tuesday night after being assisted by the Louis S. St-Laurent — the largest icebreaker in the coast guard's fleet.
The ferry arrived in Port aux Basques late Tuesday night, much to the relief of those passengers who had been stranded on the ship since it became stuck Monday evening.
The Highlanders unloaded passengers and freight in Port aux Basques before departing again at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The St-Laurent was once again clearing the way for the ferry on the way back to Cape Breton. The ferry was scheduled to arrive in North Sydney at 9:30 a.m.
Another Marine Atlantic vessel, the Blue Puttees, was able to leave port in North Sydney on Tuesday after following the St-Laurent as well.
The Blue Puttees was scheduled to leave Port aux Basques at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.