Residents of Bell Island are without ferry service with both the Flanders and Beaumont Hamel currently tied up.

The Flanders is tried up at Long Pond with a mechanical problem with bow thruster, while the Beaumont Hamel is out of service due to damage caused to its ramp.

The Bell Island run is the busiest in the province’s ferry service, with yearly passenger numbers rivaling Marine Atlantic.

According to Wabana Mayor Phillip Tobin, the issue was only made worse because crossings were suspended most of the weekend due to high winds.

He says government needs a better backup plan when vessels are tied up.

“We’re in a bit of a crisis here on the island with not getting products and people back and forth for their daily lives. We’re hoping we don’t have an emergency situation because there’s not really a backup plan from the government. I think it’s time for the government to get going on this and either renew the fleet, or find a better way so that vessels are going to be able to operate in these sea conditions.”