Investigation into P.E.I. ferry fire underway

WOOD ISLANDS, P.E.I. — The MV Vacation Island is again in its berth in Wooden Islands and passenger autos had been being unloaded within the afternoon of July 24.

A fireplace on board one of many two ferries connecting Nova Scotia to P.E.I. on July 22 means all ferry service has stopped for now.

“We’re off loading autos from the vessel now, there is no such thing as a apparent injury to the passenger autos,” stated Northumberland Ferries Restricted vice-president Don Cormier in a information convention held July 24 through Zoom.

He additionally thanked all the emergency personnel and locals who assisted within the response to securely evacuate the Vacation Island.

Officers stated a hearth within the ahead predominant engine was detected round 11:15 a.m. July 22.

All 258 passengers and crew had been in a position to go away the ship safely.

Cormier clarified to SaltWire Community on July 23 that there have been some pets on board, together with 5 canine and a caged chicken. They went down the emergency chutes within the arms of their house owners and there have been no reported issues. There have been no livestock, race horses or different animals on board.

One other concern Cormier spoke about on July 23 was passenger drugs, a few of which had been left on the Vacation Island. As soon as passengers notified the corporate, NFL organized with native pharmacies to exchange lacking prescriptions, Cormier stated. To his data, there hadn’t been any issues with this.

“With reference to the ship, we’ll require a way more thorough investigation we’ve got not entered the engine room areas and don’t count on to take action till a radical evaluation is completed of the steadiness of the ship. (There must be) air flow, de-watering the water that was used to battle the hearth, so there will probably be a time but earlier than we are able to go to the engine room,” stated Cormier on the July 24 information convention.

Coast guard response

Additionally on the decision was Phil Walker with the Canadian Coast Guard who counseled all concerned within the July 22 incident.

“This profitable search and rescue operation is a robust reminder of the significance of planning and training shipboard response and evacuation drills,” stated Walker.

“Passengers and crew took the mandatory steps to organize for the evacuation of the vessel and did so in a fast and orderly method leading to all individuals making it safely to shore.”

The coast guard environmental part will stay in P.E.I. to look at for any oil spills throughout the investigation and salvage of the Vacation Island stated Ben MacDonald the director of the emergency co-ordination centre with the Canadian Coast Guard.

Coast guard vessels will monitor the emergency zone – which extends one nautical mile across the scene.

“At the moment, there has not been any air pollution noticed. The proprietor has taken proactive mitigation steps to make sure the safety of the marine setting. Together with the activation of the response group,” stated MacDonald. The ferry’s crew dropped 1,400 toes of containment growth throughout the fireplace when it was at anchor. There’s additionally growth across the vessel in port and defending delicate marine areas, simply in case.

Julie Gascon, director basic of Transport Canada marine security and safety stated Northumberland Ferries operated the Vacation Island on behalf of Transport Canada.

It’s a part of the delegated statutory inspection program, and is inspected by Lloyd’s Registered and by Transport Canada commonly. The Vacation Island was final inspected in Could 2022.

Inspectors are on the scene now to help within the investigation.

“As soon as the Canadian Coast Guard assesses that the menace to the setting has been utterly mitigated, Transport Canada will take the lead, working carefully with the operator on a salvage plan,” stated Gascon. “Transport Canada will proceed to observe the scenario and work with all companions on any subsequent steps together with a willpower of the seaworthiness of the Vacation Island.”

Resuming ferry service

Cormier stated the subsequent few days will probably be spent assessing the situation of the vessel and co-operating with investigation companies.”

“Our focus stays security (and) buyer care. So, in transitioning, ensuring that the shoppers that skilled service disruptions or that had been on the vessel are taken care of. We’re additionally targeted on resuming service,” stated Cormier. “We hope and count on to make an announcement hopefully confirming resumption of service on Tuesday (July 26).”

There is no such thing as a strategy to know but whether or not the vacation Island will ever return to service, he stated.

“Actually we’ve got not turned our thoughts to any asset alternative,” stated Cormier.

Gascon stated the Vacation Island isn’t anticipated to be out there for service for the remainder of the 2022 season.

“The federal government understands the significance of ferry service to native communities and regional economies and will probably be exploring all choices to return to regular service degree as quickly as doable,” stated Gascon.