A ferry traveling between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia experienced a coolant leak off Charlottetown, as reported by the Canadian Coast Guard. The MV Confederation was in Charlottetown before heading to St. John’s, NL, for maintenance. The coast guard was alerted to a potential pollution incident the following day.
According to a statement, the MV Confederation sustained damage from ice while leaving the wharf, leading to a coolant release into the marine environment. The coast guard confirmed that a non-recoverable amount of coolant had been discharged. Efforts are being made by the ferry operator to repair the damage and prevent further marine pollution risks.
The MV Confederation, operated by Northumberland Ferries Limited and owned by Transport Canada, usually operates between Wood Islands, PEI, and Caribou, NS, in the summer and fall. Jeff Joyce, the general manager of Northumberland Ferries, mentioned that divers inspected the vessel’s keel coolers in Charlottetown Harbour due to engine cooling issues during the trip to Newfoundland, prompting the ferry to return.
Transport Canada is aware of the mechanical problems and is monitoring the situation. The coast guard will oversee the response to the coolant leak incident. No comments were available from Northumberland Ferries on Wednesday regarding the situation.