Northumberland Ferries is out with an update on the fire on board the Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia ferry.
The statement was issued on Saturday by Vice President Don Cormier.
It says the fire is continuing to burn inside of the engine room and exhaust funnels of the MV Holiday Island. This after reports on Friday that the fire was out. Smoke could still be seen billowing from the ship on Saturday, a full day after reports emerged that 182 passengers and about 18 staff were being evacuated due to the emergency.
Update: A message from Don Cormier, Vice President of Northumberland Ferries Limited about the current status of yesterday’s mv Holiday Island incident: https://t.co/UHLXnc2vOY
— Northumberland Ferries (@PEIFerries) July 23, 2022
Another evacuation of emergency responders occurred on Friday night.
“Last night at approximately 9:30 p.m., onboard efforts to try to extinguish the shipboard fire were discontinued by ship’s crew and approximately 14 local firefighters from surrounding districts,” a news release says. “The ship was evacuated of all crew and firefighters our of an abundance of caution for the safety of the ship’s crew and firefighters due to the fire and condition of the ship at night.”
The Canadian Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation. An environmental response team is also in the area as a precaution. Northumberland Ferries hopes to provide an update on a potential recovery plan for the ship.
The company says it’s uncertain at this time if they will be able to recover vehicles and return them to their owners.
“Northumberland Ferries deeply regrets the inconvenience this has caused to so many of our customers,” the statement reads. “We will continue to work with the affected customers to return them home as quickly as possible or to extend temporary accommodation.”
Ferry service remains suspended this weekend with further updates to come.
