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Marine Atlantic cancels weekend crossings between N.S. and Argentia

The MV Highlander, pictured here in a file photo, won't be making any crossings until at least Sunday, Marine Atlantic says. ( - image credit)
The MV Highlander, pictured here in a file photo, won't be making any crossings until at least Sunday, Marine Atlantic says. ( - image credit)

Two overnight crossings between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia on Friday and Saturday have been cancelled, Marine Atlantic officials said Friday night.

The Argentia to North Sydney, N.S. route is out of service until at least Sunday due to mechanical issues, the ferry operator told CBC News by email.

A spokesperson said one of the engines on the MV Highlander has broken down, meaning it can't make the Friday crossing to Argentia. That leaves the operator without a vessel for the Saturday evening Argentia - Sydney crossing.

The Port aux Basques ferry is still operating.

"Due to high traffic volumes, cancelling the Argentia crossings will allow more traffic to be moved through the shorter Port aux Basques-North Sydney crossing, therefore allowing more traffic to travel between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia over the next couple of days," the spokesperson wrote.

"Our maintenance teams have identified the problem and are working to fix it as quickly as possible. Initial estimates put repairs at approximately 24 hours. We will continue to monitor the issue and provide additional updates if required."

Affected passengers can cancel their tickets and receive a refund, the spokesperson added, or call Marine Atlantic to discuss rebooking.

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