Little Bay Islands ferry to get new engine

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett announced today the department has decided to purchase a new engine for the M/V Inch Arran, which services Little Bay Islands and Shoal Arm.

Minister Barrett said because the manufacturer�s technicians were unable to detect the cause of failure of the vessel�s engine, the department has ordered a new engine for the vessel. "We did not want to take a chance on rebuilding the current engine given the fact the manufacturer was not able to determine what caused the engine to fail in the first place," said Minister Barrett. "We believe this decision is in the best interest of the people using the service."

The vessel�s engine experienced trouble on March 22. At that time, she was replaced by the Island Joiner, which assumed a four-point service until the Sound of Islay arrived March 29. It will take approximately four to five weeks to assemble, deliver and install the new engine for the Inch Arran. The Little Bay Islands - Shoal Arm run will be serviced by the Sound of Islay until the Inch Arran returns.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2002 04 08                         5:25 p.m.