Marine Atlantic delays expected to linger

NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. — Truckers dependant on Marine Atlantic to get across the Cabot Strait will experience delays the next few days because of poor weather.

High winds and rough seas are expected to continue, creating delays at Port aux Basques and North Sydney terminals, Marine Atlantic CEO Roger Flood told the Cape Breton Post.

“What happens between now and Friday depends on the weather,” Flood told the paper.

The loss of the Leif Ericson vessel, which was involved in a collision last week, is further compounding the problem, says Flood. Another boat, the Caribou, is docked for a scheduled maintenance period. Both vessels are expected to be back in service next week.

Dozens of truckers, many carrying perishable products, have been parked in North Sydney since early Saturday waiting to cross to Port aux Basques.

Clyde Bungay, a notoriously outspoken independent operator who uses the service, told the Post he thinks the company is using weather as a cover for ongoing mechanical problems.

Bungay said that Marine Atlantic needs to replace its aging vessels, adding that the ferry is an extension of the Trans-Canada and an essential service.

— from the Cape Breton Post