Bell Island residents growing frustrated with ferry issues and delays

As Bell Island commuters commenced their day on July 19 with only one ferry in service, residents were once again frustrated by delays.

Bell Island resident and member of the ferry committee, Verna Carey, says she is growing increasingly concerned by the ferry service. 

"We have people that depend on [the ferry] for their health, for their jobs, for their education, for the essential services," said Carey. "This is our road. And without [it] we have nothing."

On July 18, Carey says she was stuck in line in Portugal Cove-St. Phillips for over four hours waiting for a ferry to take her home after a doctor's appointment. 

This was because the MV Flanders was tied up with technical issues, she said, and there were no technicians available to do maintenance

"Why isn't there people in place to fix these boats?" said Carey.

And to make matters worse, Carey says the island was extra busy with visitors who come over for graveyard services.

So that evening, Carey said the MV Beaumount Hamel had to do an extra trip, which meant that its crews had a later start the next morning. This meant that the typical 6:50 a.m. run, didn't happen.

"The people of Bell Island that worked this morning, and depended on the 6:50 boat, [it] didn't happen. Our boat didn't leave Bell Island until after 8:00," said Carey. 

And the MV Flanders' crews aren't trained to work on the MV Beautmount Hamel, says Carey. 

The MV Flanders was back in service shortly after 10:00 a.m, but Carey is growing frustrated with the constant maintenance issues and delays. 

"How would you like it tomorrow if they decided 'your road is … broke down, we have no way for you to get home and we have no way for your other family members to get to you.' Would you like it?" said Carey. 

Province considering expansion

Last week, while the MV Beaumont Hamel was experiencing maintenance issues, the provincial government attempted to support Bell Island by taking one ferry off the Fogo Island route.

But this decision resulted in backlash and Fogo Island residents protested by blocking the ferry from moving. 

The government kept MV Astron on the Fogo Island route.

On July 17, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure media relations manager, Maria Browne, made a statement that they have issued a formal request for information. 

Browne wrote that the department is looking to have a better understanding of the market availability of ferries that could be used to expand the province's fleet.

She says this information will help the department determine how suitable the available vessels are, understand prices from other suppliers, and understand the specifications and requirements for future procurements to be considered. 

Meanwhile, Carey says the committee has been asking the department for solutions. 

"We need answers and we need people front and centre … to say enough is enough. This is 2025, this is ongoing and it's got to stop," she said. 

CBC requested an interview or statement from transportation minister, Elvis Loveless, but has not yet received a response. 

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