New Deer Island ferry still awaits final inspection

Summer has come and gone in New Brunswick and some people on Deer Island are still wondering when the new ferry to serve the island will be put into service.

In February, the Department of Transportation announced the AbnakiII would be in service by early summer.

Two weeks ago, the $8-million vessel was christened.

But the ferry is still being prepared for inspection.

Shawn Berry of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure said ferry operator Coastal Transport Ltd. had indicated it will be contacting Transport Canada for the final inspection of the ferry next week.

The ferry was built in Saint John by J.D. Irving-owned CFM.