The Veteran is back in service after an extended period on dry dock, but by the fall it will be out of commission again.

Transportation Minister John Abbott says there was no oversight when both the Veteran and the Legionnaire were built, and now the province is “paying the price” for that.

When the Veteran was on dry dock, Abbott explains they discovered “so many further deficiencies” with the vessel.

He says the Veteran will be going back on dry dock in the fall to have the engines replaced. In the new year, the Legionnaire will be taken off the run to get its engines replaced.

Abbott hinted a few weeks ago that it would soon be time to replace the engines.

He says the combined cost of new engines for the two vessels will be around $6-million, not including the cost of installation.

Abbott says a meeting was held last week with representatives from Fogo Island and Bell Island to talk about their concerns.

He says they are searching for a new vessel, which will be leased, to service the runs beginning in the fall.