ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- The Newfoundland and Labrador government is telling retail food outlets in coastal Labrador it will pay for air shipments of groceries and other essential items to deal with a sudden food shortage.

Mechanical problems with the ferry MV Astron have led to shipping delays in Black Tickle, Rigolet, Postville, Makkovik, Hopedale, Natuashish and Nain.

The province says it will cover the cost of freight on Air Labrador's scheduled service Thursday, and a second aircraft has been chartered to carry more freight.

The ferry is scheduled to depart Lewisporte for Labrador on Saturday, but some of the communities are already running low on food.

So far, 16 retailers have been told to have their freight delivered to Air Labrador in Happy Valley-Goose Bay by 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Hopedale Mayor Wayne Piercy says the last major ferry delivery was in late November and supplies have been running low since Easter.