Passenger Ferry Runs Aground While Leaving Port
An investigation has been launched into the grounding of the MV Blue Puttees passenger ferry.
At this preliminary stage, Marine Atlantic noted that they are not aware of information suggesting mechanical issues with the vessel. The purpose of the investigation involving outside agencies, such as the Transportation Safety Board, is to determine the exact cause and those agencies are just getting underway.
Further inspections on the underwater section of the vessel to determine the amount of potential damage that may have been experienced was done on August 1st.
All passengers with upcoming reservations have been re-booked to revised crossing times on the MV Atlantic Vision, MV Highlanders and MV Leif Ericson and have been contacted. There will likely be further adjustments to sailing times in the coming days; passengers will be contacted in advance of their sailings with revised information.
Marine Atlantic thanked affected passengers for their patience. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
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At 8:32 NL time, the MV Blue Puttees ran aground while departing Port aux Basques. The situation has been stabilized and the vessel is secure.
The vessel was carrying 398 passengers and 91 crew members. No injuries have been reported and there is no indication of significant damage at this point.
As per Marine Atlantic’s Emergency response policies, all regulatory authorities have been contacted including Transport Canada, JRCC, and DNV.