Heavy ice conditions delay ferry to Souris

The CTMA Vacancier was scheduled to arrive at Souris, P.E.I. at 7 p.m. and head back to Îles-de-la-Madeleine an hour later.

The ferry was delayed by five hours as it made the crossing through thick ice.

Ferry officials knew it would be delayed due to the heavy ice conditions.

A Canadian Coast Guard ice cutter escorted the ferry the entire 60 nautical mile journey.

The thick ice conditions have led ferry officials to cut back on the number of sailings. Beginning next week it will be reduced from three to two.

The decision has been made also that the ferry will not sail at night.

The ferry will sail from Îles-de-la-Madeleine to Souris on Tuesday and Friday and make the return trip on Wednesday and Saturday.

The revised schedule will see the ferry remain safely tied up in Souris before making the return crossing to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine​ in daylight.

Guyllaume Belley was heading to work on Îles-de-la-Madeleine. He was one of many left waiting Tuesday.

"For us, it's not the best. We would like to go as soon as possible," Belley said.

Last week, thick ice and a small fire aboard the ship turned the normally five hour journey into an overnight journey.

People travelling with the service should call ahead.