Northumberland Ferries cancelling multiple N.S.-P.E.I. sailings again due to tides
Passengers urged to book ahead as standby space remains limited
Ferry service between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia is once again experiencing disruptions due to the tides.
Northumberland Ferries Ltd. says that from July 22 to 28, the company will operate with restricted vehicle capacity on some sailings and has cancelled others due to "tide-constrained loading."
Passengers are urged to book their tickets in advance, as space for standby travellers will be limited.
Cancelled sailings are:
Tuesday, July 22
- Depart Caribou at 1:30 p.m.
- Depart Wood Islands at 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23
- Depart Caribou at 1:30 p.m.
- Depart Wood Islands at 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 24
- Depart Caribou at 5 p.m.
- Depart Wood Islands at 3:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 25
- Depart Caribou at 5 p.m.
- Depart Wood Islands at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 26
- Depart Wood Islands at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 27
- Depart Caribou at 5 p.m.
- Depart Wood Islands at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, July 28
- Depart Caribou at 5 p.m.
- Depart Wood Islands at 6:30 p.m.
Dredging expected to begin this year
In June, the ferry service between eastern P.E.I. and northern Nova Scotia also operated on a reduced schedule for a week due to what the company called "unusually low tides."
Following these disruptions, CBC News reached out to the federal government, which confirmed its plans to dredge Wood Islands Harbour this year.
A spokesperson for Transport Canada told CBC News last month that dredging is now scheduled to begin after Aug. 1, noting that the harbour is typically dredged on a five-year cycle, with the last operation completed in 2022. This year's assessment revealed more sediment accumulation than usual.
The ferry route between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S., is currently serviced by two ships — the MV Confederation and the MV Northumberland.
This is the first season the MV Northumberland — previously the MV Fanafjord — is on the water.
Transport Canada said the vessel can operate at the current depth but "extreme conditions may lead to adjustments."