LEGIONNAIRE

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Ferry damaged in allision

THe 'Legionnaire' serving on the Bell Island-Portugal Cove route, was damaged on May 11, 2021, while approaching the wharf at Farewell. One of the vessel’s thrusters stopped operating due to an electrical issue and the vessel struck the wharf. Residents travelling to and from Fogo Island and Change Island had to rely on air travel while the ferry wasout of commission for repairs. Four fixed-wing aircraft trips per day were offered between Gander and Folo Island. Helicopter flights have been arranged for anyone travelling between Fogo Island, Changes Islands and Farewell. Flights departed from the dock at each location, based on demand. Aircraft passengers were required to wear masks at all times. Passengers were charged the standard walk-on ferry passenger fare for both the helicopter and fixed-wing services. Residents who wished to arrange flights could phone 709-256-1048

Ferry suffered engine trouble

Both the "Legionnaire" and the "Veteran" were experiencing simultaneous engine problems on Apr 17, 2018,, but the vessels are continuing to serve their assigned routes. One engine on the "Legionnaire" has been removed to undergo repairs, and it was expected to be returned to the vessel by the end of the week. Technicians have also shut down an engine on the "Veteran" after it began to malfunction, and were doing an assessment to determine the extent of the problem. Both vessels have three engines, and can operate with just two engines when necessary. The "Veteran" serves the Fogo Island-Change Island-Farewell run, while the "Legionnaire" is one of two vessels operating between Portugal Cove and Bell Island. The vessels are new to the intra-provincial ferry service, and were purchased at a combined cost of some $100 million. They were manufactured by Damen Shipyards in Romania, and have been plagued by problems since entering service.

Ferry sidelined due to technical trouble

The "Legionnaire" was tied up in Farewell due to a thruster issue that has been ongoing since Feb 4, 2018. The Department of Transportation and Works has put air services in place – helicopters and fixed-wing travel – with medical transport taking priority. However, weather conditions have cancelled flights. It’s the second time the ferry has experienced thruster problems in less than a month. In the first incident on Jan 16, parts were removed from the "Veteran" which has been tied up in St. John’s for repairs since October 2017, to make the "Legionnaire" operational again.