Labrador says farewell as Northern Ranger makes final passenger voyage along coast

With people along the Labrador coast bidding farewell to the MV Northern Ranger, it was a sentimental port in Goose Bay yesterday as the ship fought through the ice forming on Terrington Basin to get its passengers to shore.

"Gonna miss the old girl," DarrenBudgellsaid as he waited at the port Wednesday eveningto pick up his brother arriving fromRigolet.

"She's done her time. She's done her duties for the north and south coast for many years," he said. "Sad to see her go."

The vessel has served the isolated communities along Labrador's coastfor over 30 years. The Northern Ranger andthe Astron, a cargo ship that also services the coast,are being replaced by one boat, with roll-on, roll-off capabilitiesnext season.

"You don't know what you got till it's gone," said GeorginaAllenas she disembarked from the Ranger.

"You've got to look for the future and hope for the best, but at the same time, there was a lot of good memories made on that boat."

Coast says goodbye

Communities have been saying goodbye as the ship passes through. Alarge crowd came down to the port in Nainon Monday, flanked by a brass band, to give the ship a traditional sendoff.

"We didn't expect it, I didn't know it was going to happen," said Scott Chant, the Northern Ranger's captain for the last three years.

"It's something that I'll always remember and I'll carry with me for my professional career for the rest of my life.The place is absolutely intoxicating. The people are absolutely amazing."

'Growing pains'

Though NunatsiavutMarine will continue to provide shore services, the Woodward group of companies will be operating the new vessel.

Chant says it's starting to set in for crew who will be losing their jobs after the run comes to a close. He says dock workers in Lewisporte and Cartwright are also facing layoffs as those ports are not included in the new service.

"I think a lot of people are feeling a nervousness in their belly of knowing your occupation is going to be taken away," Chant said.

"I don't think the reality has hit us all yet, but as things are winding down it's becoming a reality."

The Northern Ranger will conclude its passenger service later this week in Black Tickle, but Chant says it will continue in cargo mode until the ice will no longer allow it.

"We will do and carry as much as we can to support the people on the coast."

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