MV Apollo finally crosses Strait of Belle Isle
The MV Apollo has finally made it across the Strait of Belle Isle, after nine days of delays that caused headaches for passengers and communities in Labrador desperate for supplies.
The ferry had been stuck at the dock in St. Barbe for more than a week because of heavy ice, with delays in icebreaking operations compounding the problem.
It took two coast guard icebreakers to get the ferry out of dock and on its way across the Strait.
The Canadian Coast Guard's heavier icebreaker — the Terry Fox — arrived just outside St. Barbe Wednesday evening.
The Ann Harvey, another icebreaker, escorted the MV Apollo to meet the Terry Fox, before the two vessels made the trip Wednesday night to Blanc Sablon.
Different route back
However, when the Apollo makes the return run to Newfoundland, it will now be heading to port in Corner Brook instead of back to St. Barbe.
The company said the provincial government made that decision based on a recommendation from the coast guard.
The ice conditions will be assessed again before the next crossing from Blanc Sablon to see whether the wharf in St. Barbe is accessible.
The Apollo was initially scheduled to sail for Corner Brook at 1 p.m. Thursday.
However, Labrador Marine sent out a statement at noon saying that the departure had been cancelled due to road closures in the area which was preventing traffic from reaching the ticket office in Blanc Sablon.
The ferry is now scheduled to run at 7 a.m. on Friday, with its arrival in Corner Brook still to be determined.
Labrador Marine was advising passengers that the St. Barbe rates will apply for this trip to Corner Brook and return only.