Ferry service between PEI and Nova Scotia has been suspended over the weekend as the fire that forced the evacuation of more than 200 passengers and crew on the MV Holiday Island on Friday continues to burn.
Northumberland Ferries has also told passengers that the company is unsure whether the vehicles on board can be recovered.
Northumberland Ferries announced Friday evening that the ferry service between Caribou, NS and Wood Islands, PEI would be canceled for a second day due to the emergency situation on MV Holiday Island. He said in an update Saturday morning that all crossings would also be canceled until Sunday.
As of 9 a.m. Saturday, smoke could still be seen billowing from the PEI-bound ferry, nearly a full day after a fire broke out in the ship’s engine room.
Update: Please note that Northumberland Ferries have canceled all sailings on Sunday 24th July 2022. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Please supervise
—@PEIFerries
Northumberland Ferries said in a text message update to passengers at around 10am that the fire had not been extinguished and the company was not yet aware of the possibility of recovering vehicles.
In an update on its website, it said the crew and firefighters on board ended efforts to extinguish the fire and evacuated the ferry “out of an abundance of caution” around 9.30pm on Friday.
The update said the fire appears to still be contained to the ship’s engine room and funnels. But it has called in an environmental response team “as a precaution” which is now on site.
Environmental Response Team vehicle on site Saturday. (CBC/Tony Davis)
He said the Canadian Coast Guard monitored the situation throughout the night and is still there. A tugboat is also standing by.
“Northumberland Ferries Limited deeply regrets the inconvenience this has caused so many of our customers,” the company said in the statement. “We will continue to work with affected customers to return them home as soon as possible or to extend temporary accommodation.”
The statement said the company will stay in touch with passengers.
“We will be communicating separately and directly with our customers about the current status and support and care for our customers.
“The ferry service using MV Confederation remains suspended today and tomorrow with further updates to follow.”
Four investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada have been deployed to PEI
The TSB said investigators will interview witnesses and collect data. He said they will only board the ferry if it is deemed safe.