Ice-breaking hovercraft's P.E.I. work delayed

Gale force winds could delay the arrival of an ice-breaking coast guard hovercraft to P.E.I.

Eight Island harbours have asked for the vessel's help to break up ice so lobster boats can get out.

• Malpeque
• Tracadie
• Wood Islands
• Beach Point
• New London
• Murray Harbour
• Red Head
• `Lennox Island

Caribou, N.S., which must for clear for Northumberland Ferries to operate, is also looking for the hovercraft to break up ice there.

Officials thought the hovercraft might reach P.E.I. by Monday but Rebecca Acton-Bond, acting superintendent of ice operations for the Atlantic region, said that arrival time is less likely now.

"The air-cushioned vehicle requires good weather conditions in order to be able to conduct their work and in the next couple of days we have gale wind warnings," said Acton-Bond.

"If it was a ship that's in the water it would be a little more stable, but because this hovercraft is operating above the ice then it's very heavily affected by wind."

Acton-Bond says this region hasn't seen ice conditions like this for about two decades. She said the worst areas off P.E.I. are the southeastern shore around Souris. Northerly winds are continuing to push ice into harbours in that part of the province.