MV Blue Puttees ferry stuck in ice off Cape Breton, 40 passengers on board

NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. – A Marine Atlantic ferry remains stuck for a third day in thick pack ice off Cape Breton, as a coast guard icebreaker continues efforts to free the vessel.

Company spokesman Darrell Mercer says the MV Blue Puttees is about 35 kilometres from port in North Sydney, N.S. with 40 passengers on board.

He says attempts to free the ferry were being made by the icebreaker Louis St. Laurent, which had also been hindered by the ice.

The Blue Puttees left Port aux Basques, N.L., with the MV Highlanders on Wednesday.

Mercer says the Highlanders made it through, but is currently tied up along with another vessel until the Blue Puttees can be freed.

He says it’s hoped easterly winds packing ice in the area will either ease or change direction later Friday.