Bluenose II steering problems return, tours cancelled
Tours in Lunenburg have been cancelled for Tuesday, Wednesday
Sailings on board the Bluenose II in Lunenburg have been cancelled for today and Wednesday due to more steering issues.
The province says a technician, the steering system designer and a consultant have been called in to assess and fix the problem.
Transportation spokesperson Tina Thibeau says the wheel was slow to respond at the end of a tour on Tuesday. The ship's backup system was used.
She says more information is expected Wednesday.
A failed bearing in the steering system on July 30 also forced the cancellation of tours.
Earlier this year, Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan said the hydraulic steering system needed to control the schooner's three-tonne rudder would cost around $700,000 — double what was originally budgeted.
The next scheduled sailing is Thursday.