Old Fogo Island ferry back in service while MV Veteran out for repairs
The ferry that served Fogo Island and Change Islands for 17 years was put back on the run Wednesday.
The Captain Earl W. Winsor is temporarily replacing the MV Veteran, while the brand new ship is in St. John's for repairs.
- MV Veteran mechanical problems 'not out of the ordinary', minister says
- MV Veteran tied up with mechanical problem
The MV Veteran ran into trouble with its starboard propulsion unit Monday and had to be tied up.
The Department of Transportation and Works put an air transportation service in place until this alternate plan could be arranged.
While the department is not sure know how long it will take to complete repairs on the MV Veteran, government hopes to get the ferry back in service as soon as possible.
Series of setbacks
This is the fourth time there have been issues with the MV Veteran since it arrived on the northeast coast in December.
The $50-million vessel first ran into trouble on its maiden voyage from the Damen Shipyard in Romania to St. John's, after its engine failed.
- Problems on new ferries not atypical, says naval engineer
- Small fire aboard MV Veteran knocks ferry out of service, expected back Friday
- MV Veteran ferry out of commission for day due to thruster issue
Then, in late December, the ferry was knocked out of commission for a day because of an issue with its thruster.
Two weeks ago, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft service was brought in after a fire knocked the vessel out of service yet again.
The Captain Earl W. Winsor will operate on the regular winter schedule while it's in service.