LEWISPORTE, N.L. — An alternate ferry route from Blanc Sablon to the island is being taken due to severe weather conditions in the Strait of Belle Isle.
Labrador Marine Inc., the company that operates the ferry that normally runs from Blanc Sablon to St. Barbe on the Great Northern Peninsula, announced today, Feb. 20, they would be doing an interim run to Corner Brook for the time being.
“We recognize the impact ice conditions are having on the lives of our customers who use the Strait of Belle Isle service,” said LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward in a release. “We will do everything possible reduce the hardship it is causing.”
The ferry that services the north coast of Labrador, the Kamutik W. is being used for the run, instead of the Qajaq. W.
LMI said while both the Qajaq W and the Kamutik W have similar passenger and vehicle capacity, the Kamutik W is outfitted with a bigger ramp, making it appropriate for discharging and taking on traffic at Corner Brook and it has accommodations cabins, making it more suitable for the 10 to 12-hour trip between Blanc Sablon and Corner Brook.
LMI said the Kamutik W will depart Lewisporte this evening, Feb. 20 and is expected to arrive at Blanc Sablon on Friday afternoon.
The Qajaq W will remain at Blanc Sablon. LMI said and will resume service across the Straits to St. Barbe when ice conditions improve.
“With continuing adverse wind conditions on the Straits, ice pressure ridges have built near Anchor Point on the approach to St. Barbe and outside Blanc Sablon on the route to St. Barbe,” the release stated.
Those interested in the Lewisporte to Blanc Sablon run, which will begin loading at 8 p.m., can make reservations online at www.labradormarine.com or by phone 1 (866) 535-2567.
Further details, including the Blanc Sablon-Corner Brook schedule, will be released through the LMI website.
