It has been a long and frustrating day for Bell Island Ferry Users—but the end may be in sight.

The area has been without transportation to and from Portugal Cove since last night, when the final run was cancelled because of a COVID issue, leaving people stranded.

Just before noon, Mayor Gary Gosine had received word that parts were being brought in the fix the Flanders, and that a transfer of captains was underway for the Legionnaire. At the time, he was told that services would be up and running again momentarily.

However, several hours later the service has not been restored.

As of the latest update he’s received, Mayor Gosine is hopeful ferry service will be up and running again soon.

He’s been told that the Flanders was out for sea trials and had to go back to Long Pond for more parts, but will be fixed again and ready to resume service. As for the Legionnaire, he says a deep cleaning is happening onboard the vessel, and once that’s done a new skipper has been secured for that vessel to go back in service.