Wolfe Island replacement ferry with vehicle service fails safety tests, another ship being mobilized

The Wolfe Island Ferry is seen in this undated photo. (file)

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) says the Frontenac II, a vessel mobilized to provide service to Wolfe Island near Kingston while the Wolfe Islander IV ferry is out of service, is not safe to operate at the ferry docs and another vessel is being mobilized in its place.

The Wolfe Islander IV was suspended on Monday, and on Tuesday, the MTO mobilized a second vessel, the Quinte Loyalist, to provide service to the island. While the Quinte Loyalist can transport passengers, it is unable to transport vehicles.

Wednesday morning, the MTO said it was testing a third vessel, the Frontenac II, to see if it could provide service to island and transport both vehicles and passengers. However, Wednesday afternoon, the MTO said testing revealed the vessel was not safe to operate at the Ferry docs.

“The Frontenac II has now been tested for fit at the ferry docks. The fit did not successfully meet safety standards, so the vessel is unable to enter service at this time,” the MTO wrote in a social media post.

The ferry is the only access people on Wolfe Island have to the mainland.

“We recognize the strain that an interruption of this nature has at this time of year. We ask that you please continue to treat our frontline crew with respect as they work hard to deliver services,” the MTO wrote.

The MTO also said a fourth vessel is being mobilized, the Amherst Islander II, to provide service to passengers and vehicles on the island.

“The Quinte Loyalist continues to transport walk-on passengers between Marysville dock and the Crawford Wharf in Kingston, with departures from Kingston and Marysville approximately every 45 minutes,” the MTO wrote. “Work continues to resolve the electrical issue with the Wolfe Islander IV.”

The MTO announced Monday morning that ferry service was suspended due to mechanical issues. In an email to CTV News Ottawa Tuesday afternoon, the MTO said an electrical issue affecting the vessel’s power is keeping it from sailing but did not elaborate further.

Residents of Wolfe Island have raised concerns about the lack of service to the island, and some called for a second ferry to operate alongside the Wolfe Islander IV.

The MTO says the terminal buildings are open for those needing access to shelter, a drinking fountain, washroom or power.

Emergency services have been notified, the MTO says, to ensure emergency responders can access the island if needed.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App