North

Fort Simpson ferry loses power, gets stuck in ice

The Liard River ferry in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., is stuck about 200 metres offshore after the vessel lost power in one engine Monday.

No passengers on board MV Lafferty as crews were repositioning vessel to dock it for winter

The MV Lafferty, shown here in an undated photo, has been stuck since Monday due to Liard River ice conditions. The vessel was not in service and no passengers were on board. (Government of Northwest Territories)

The Liard River ferry in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., is stuck about 200 metres offshore after the vessel lost power in one  engine on Monday due to river ice conditions.

Crews were repositioning the MV Lafferty to dock it for the winter when the incident happened, according to an N.W.T Department of Infrastructure spokesperson.

"We are in the process of securing a winch line to the vessel. Heavy snow and poor visibility have prevented the vessel from being moved," said Greg Hanna, in an email to CBC.

He said there were no passengers on board, but crew members have remained on the vessel. 

Hanna said all are safe as they have heat, water, food and communication devices.

Corrections

  • An earlier version of this story included a photo of a ferry incorrectly identified as the MV Lafferty.
    Nov 03, 2020 5:01 PM CT