The following is being distributed at the request of Marine Atlantic:

Goose Bay service delayed by mechanical trouble

Marine Atlantic's MV Sir Robert Bond has been delayed at Goose Bay by hydraulic problems with steering gear.

The difficulty was first encountered early Sunday when the ship was in the outer part of Lake Melville, en route from Lewisporte. She is now at anchor outside the narrows on the approach to Goose Bay, while repairs are underway. The 109 passengers remain on board.

A service representative from the equipment manufacturer boarded the ship at 8 p.m. yesterday, and it is expected that the problem will be solved later today.

If so, the Bond should leave Goose Bay this evening, approximately 24 hours late. It is anticipated that she would then be back on the published schedule by the end of this week.

Contact: Ted Bartlett, Director Public Relations, (506) 851-3611 or (709) 722-5731.