The Department of Transportation says it’s working with Labrador Marine to sort out ongoing issues with the Fogo Island ferry service.

The local ferry users committee wrote a letter last week to Transportation Minister Fred Hutton following delays involving the vessel Kamutik W.

They’re demanding action from the province, saying that ferry isn’t adequate for the Change Islands run, and citing concerns over the amount of time it’s held on-shore.

Jarrod Ogland says the ferry is out of service for an average of 20 days each year because it cannot handle severe weather as other ferries can.

He says he tried to contact Hutton, and a call was arranged, but he says the minister did not answer.

Ogland says that led to uncertainty for those who have to book medical and other appointments off Fogo Island.

He says to make matters worse, the dock doesn’t support the Kamutik W, leaving longer loading and off-load times.

In a response to the ferry users’ concerns, Transportation officials say they were previously aware of the operational issues, adding repairs were already underway in the ferry terminal. They also say necessary water and plumbing repairs have been completed.

As well, they say the addition of the Sound of Islay on the Change Islands run should reduce the impact on the ferry schedule experienced when the Kamutik W was operating earlier last year.

And they say they’re working with Labrador Marine “to see what can be done to improve the ramp situation on those wharves.”

Officials say they will be in touch with the ferry users’ committee early in the new year to arrange a meeting, as requested.