The Marine Atlantic ferry Blue Puttees, with 446 people on board, is returning to North Sydney due to mechanical issues that have prevented the vessel from docking at Port aux Basques.

Spokesperson Darrell Mercer says they made that difficult decision due a generator issue that’s affecting several systems, including the bow thrusters, not to mention a winter storm bearing down on the area.

“They’re going to continue to troubleshoot the problem on the way back to North Sydney in the hopes of being able to turn around and head back to Port aux Basques” says Mercer, adding they apologize for “this massive inconvenience at this time of year.”

Mercer says Argentia is not an option because the port is not currently staffed, and with the storm coming they would not have been able to get people in place in time.

VOCM News will have updates on this story as they become available.