PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L. -- Marine Atlantic is investigating after one of its passenger ferries ran aground early Wednesday while leaving Port aux Basques in southwestern Newfoundland.
Spokesman Darrell Mercer says the MV Blue Puttees is stable and no injuries were reported after the vessel struck a wharf a few minutes after leaving the main dock in Port aux Basques.
The ferry was carrying 398 passengers and 91 crew members en route to North Sydney, N.S., when it hit the wharf at 8:32 a.m. local time.
Local emergency officials responded and Transport Canada has been notified but Mercer said there does not appear to be any significant damage.
"Our passengers are being kept informed of the situation," he said in an interview, adding that they were given complimentary food and beverages.
"We're hoping that ... once high tide arrives, the vessel will be able to move back to the dock. And of course we have vehicles on the vessel, so that piece will have to be evaluated as well."
Mercer said the ferry still has power but Marine Atlantic is looking into the availability of a tugboat in case one is needed. High tide was expected later Wednesday.
"It was certainly very foggy this morning, but of course as part of our investigation all of those details will be evaluated," Mercer said. "We'll look at what happened and all of the possible causes. But at this stage, it's much too early to speculate."
The Blue Puttees' sister ship, the MV Highlanders, left North Sydney headed for Port aux Basques early Wednesday, Mercer said. It's not clear whether the vessel will be able to dock, depending on what happens with the Blue Puttees, he added.
Mercer said it's unclear how scheduling may be affected. Marine Atlantic customers booked to sail will be contacted directly but can also check updates on its website or through its reservation line, he said.
The Blue Puttees came into service in March 2011 and almost immediately had issues involving its stabilizers. A brief but significant listing that month caused mostly minor injuries involving several passengers and crew. Marine Atlantic at the time blamed a combination of factors but said the vessel is exceptionally safe.
