Transportation and Works
January 22, 2016

Public Advisory: Update Provided on Bell Island Ferry Service

Users of the Bell Island ferry service are advised that repairs to the MV Flanders and the MV Beaumont Hamel are progressing. Testing of the repair work on both vessels is ongoing and timelines are being determined. A vessel will return to service as soon as possible and updates will be provided when available.

Travellers utilizing the helicopter service from Universal Helicopters on Major's Path in St. John's to Bell Island are reminded that service will remain in place until a vessel returns to the ferry run. Weather conditions have and may continue to impact this service with little notice, but the Department of Transportation and Works continues to focus on providing air service to accommodate travellers as best and as quickly as possible.

The department assures travellers that every effort is being made to repair the ferries to return to service and thanks everyone for their cooperation and understanding. The department appreciates the importance of these ferries and the urgency to return to regular service, and apologizes for the inconvenience.

Additional details and updates are being sent to ferry user committees and communities, in addition to information being posted on social media and atwww.tw.gov.nl.ca/ferryservices/index.stm. Additional public advisories will also be issued as needed.

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Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015 JacquelynHoward@gov.nl.ca

2016 01 22                              4:45 p.m.