Province Concludes Investigation into Englishtown Ferry Incident

The province has concluded there were no safety issues with the Englishtown ferry, after an internal investigation into the March 25 incident where a car plunged into St. Ann's Bay off the ferry.

"This was a tragic event. My thoughts go to all those involved, especially to the family of the deceased and the crew working on the ferry," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "While the RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the incident, we've completed our investigation. I want to assure the public there are no safety issues with the vessel or with staff procedures."

The department followed standard protocols, which includes an internal investigation, while co-operating fully with the RCMP. After interviewing crew and inspecting the ferry, the department found staff followed all boarding and emergency protocols. There was no damage to the vessel or mechanical issues and no safety concerns.

The Englishtown Ferry is out of service until further notice because of ice flow in the channel. It is one of the province's busiest and newest ferries, going into service in 2008.