Bell Island ferry repairs aren't expected to be finished until Friday

Residents of Bell Island will have to wait until Friday to board a ferry, while a government-paid helicopter was finally able Thursday to carry people to the St. John's area after numerous weather delays.

Helicopter service had beenplanned to start at 7:30 a.m.for Bell Island ferry users, but the load-and-go service was delayed until the afternoon by high winds.

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The service startedshortly before 2 p.m., running from Bell Island to theUniversal Helicopters base on Major's Path.

The service was scheduled torun until daylight ends, and as long as the winds remained fair.

Helicopters wereoperatingon a load-and-go, first-come, first-served basis.

Fees arebe the same as a walk-on adult for the ferry service.

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According to the Newfoundland and Labrador government, the helicopters are able to accommodate three or four people at a time, without luggage.

The MV Flanders, which services the run between Bell Island and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, is out of service for repairs.

An update on Thursday afternoonsaid that repairs are not yet completed forthe ferry, and that testing has not been done.

The provincial Department of Transportation and Works is now hoping to have the ferry back up and running by Friday morning.

The second Bell Island ferry, the MV Beaumont Hamel, is out for a refit and is expected back in service sometime next week.