Temporary air services have been arranged for Bell Island which has been without ferry service for days due to high winds and heavy seas.

The service interruption has resulted in shortages of some goods on the island.

The Department of Transportation has arranged air services for the transportation of goods, supplies, and residents beginning today.

Priority will be given to essential goods and supplies such as groceries and medications, as well as essential workers traveling to and from the island.

Patients traveling for medical reasons and passengers transporting essential goods will also be given priority.

The Bell Island ferry service will resume when weather conditions improve.

Earlier Story

Bell Island has been choked off from the rest of the province for six days with ferry service unlikely to resume today because of ocean swells and undertow—and the effects are beginning to show.

People on the island have been unable to get to St. John’s for medical and other appointments, and now the island is running out of milk and other essential supplies.

Mayor Gary Gosine says he has been told that government is trying to secure helicopter service.

He says there’s no powdered milk for the young ones and there’s a shortage of drugs.