Slow going as MV Veteran returns to Fogo Island service

People travelling to and from Fogo Island and Change Islands had their new ferry back on the run Wednesday for the first time in nearly three months.

Wednesday's crossings by the MV Veteran had many travellers excited, since a replacement ferry had been hard pressed to cope with the busy run at its peak tourist season.

"I'm the eternal optimist, so I'm confident that things will go well from here on in," said Andrew Danson Danushevsky, a photographer who lives on Change Islands.

"Let's see. Time will tell. Time always tells."

• Fogo Island ferry MV Veteran back in service Wednesday
• 'We do have a lemon': Fogo ferry users frustrated by problems with MV Veteran

The $50-million dollar vessel has been out of service four times since arriving in the province in December, most recently because of a problem with its port thrusters.

The builder, Damen Shipyards, said Monday that the bearings were not getting enough lubrication.

Officials from Damen and Rolls Royce were onboard as the vessel returned to service, and it wasn't all smooth sailing.

"It feels pretty good, but we're certainly not on time. We're over an hour behind schedule right now, and she's just making her second trip of the day from Farewell," said Larry Hurley, a passenger from Change Islands.

"It bugs you, It really bugs you. After waiting all this time, the very first day here you are, back off schedule."

Hurley's concern was echoed by Cliff Rowe, who owns a trucking company that brings supplies to the islands.

"I'm hoping everything is going to be all right, but I have some serious doubts and we all know why," said Rowe.

"I think this ship needs more power for winter, and it seems to me her thruster propulsion system is not adequate for this sized boat."