Minister provides information on status of Little Bay Islands ferry service

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today provided details on the status of the Little Bay Islands ferry operation, which services a four point schedule between Long Island, Pilley�s Island, Shoal Arm and Little Bay Islands.

The two vessels that normally provide this service, the MV Sound of Islay and the MV Island Joiner, were removed from service yesterday for mechanical reasons. The issue related to the MV Sound of Islay was addressed yesterday afternoon and the vessel was put back in service late yesterday evening.

�As of late yesterday evening, the MV Sound of Islay is currently servicing all islands on the four point schedule,� said Minister Rideout. �The MV Island Joiner will not return to service until later notice, and is currently on route to St. John�s, where repairs will be completed.�

The minister added that the MV Sound of Islay will continue to independently service the four point schedule until tomorrow.

�Since the MV Island Joiner normally operates between Pilley�s Island and Long Island, a second vessel will be required in order to restore the two-vessel service in the area,� said the minister. �One of the province�s swing vessels, the MV Nonia, will be put into service at Little Bay Islands tomorrow and this vessel, along with the MV Sound of Islay, is planned to service the four point schedule until the MV Island Joiner is cleared to return. At this time, the MV Nonia will be removed from the operation and will continue to serve as a swing vessel.�

Minister Rideout said that the MV Nonia will provide service between Little Bay Islands and Shoal Arm. The MV Sound of Islay will replace the MV Island Joiner, and will operate between Pilley�s Island and Long Island.

�Our department recognizes that our ferries are very important to the people who depend on them everyday,� said Minister Rideout. �Government is committed to providing the people of the province with a safe and reliable ferry operation. In Budget 2005, $500,000 was allocated for the implementation of a vessel replacement strategy that will assist government with addressing the issues that currently face our vessel fleet. We will remain committed to this strategy, and to ensuring any disruptions to our services or issues with our ferries are addressed as quickly as possible.

�The Department of Transportation and Works recognizes the frustration associated with this situation and regrets any inconvenience it may have caused for residents and tourists in the Little Bay Islands area.�

Minister Rideout added that a further announcement will be made when the MV Island Joiner is ready to return to operation.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403

2005 09 08                                      3:20 p.m.