Google MapsArticle contentSome Fogo Island residents spent the night aboard the MV Astron W in protest after learning the ferry would be removed from the run and a single-ferry system would be brought in.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentVideos and posts on social media show about two dozen people camped out on the vessel overnight.Article contentArticle content“She’s tied on until 12 o’clock tomorrow,” one man declared on a video shot on board the ferry.Article contentArticle content“Nobody’s crossing. No tourists, no visits to Fogo Island. We’re not taking it. We’ve got to stand our ground.”Article contentAccording to a post by the Fogo Island Ferry Committee, they were informed on Thursday, July 10, that the ferry would be taken off the run.Article content“The Fogo Island–Change Islands Ferry Committee was advised at 4:57 p.m. today that the MV Astron W will be removed from service this evening. Starting tomorrow morning, we will revert to a single‑vessel schedule with the MV Veteran,” the committee wrote Thursday evening.Article content“This abrupt notice is deeply unacceptable and demonstrates a serious lack of respect from the provincial government for the people of Fogo Island and Change Islands. Our communities depend on reliable ferry service for work, school, medical appointments, and essential supplies — waiting only hours’ notice for such a major disruption is simply not right.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe group urged residents to reach out to government officials “to express your frustration and demand better accountability.”Article contentArticle contentVideos and photos show dozens of people, many wearing winter coats and wrapped in blankets, camped out overnight on board the vessel.Article contentMoving the Astron would leave the area with just the MV Veteran for service and put Fogo on a one-ferry system at a time when tourism is ramping up. Some tourists who have planned to visit the island this weekend and later in the season have posted on social media asking whether they should cancel their plans due to the disruption.Article contentThe ferry is also vital to the fishing industry.Article contentSocial media posts indicate the Fogo ferry has been diverted to service Bell Island.Article contentAccording to the provincial government ferry website, the Beaumont Hamel, which typically services Bell Island, is out of service, and earlier this week the second vessel on that run experienced trouble. The website indicates the Flanders is currently operating but off schedule.Article contentMORE TO COMEArticle content
DEVELOPING Fogo Island residents protesting on ferry after province announces move to one-ferry system
