Working Conditions Aboard the Bluenose-Ii

On June 25, 2019, at 07:30 a.m., the vessel Bluenose II, an impressive 179 gross tonnage ship built in 2015, found itself grounded in the St. Lawrence Seaway near Cornwall, Ontario. The incident occurred at coordinates 045 01 15.4 N, 074 39 30.0 W. Fortunately, the crew successfully refloated the Bluenose II, allowing it to safely return to Cornwall without any reports of injuries, damages, or environmental pollution.

Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan expressed optimism regarding the ongoing steering issues of the iconic Bluenose II, indicating that a resolution could be achieved during this year's off-season. Collaborative discussions between departmental officials, engineers, and industry experts are underway to address the vessel's performance challenges and ensure optimal operation. The Bluenose II has faced a series of complications throughout its extensive, multimillion-dollar refit, yet it still managed to deliver an impressive inaugural sailing season. Since its debut on July 19, over 58,000 visitors have explored the historic ship, although the excitement was dampened by the need to cancel several tours due to the steering system's malfunctions.

Sailings aboard the iconic Bluenose II were interrupted on August 25 and 26, 2015, due to a steering malfunction that necessitated immediate attention. Maintenance teams have been dispatched to diagnose and rectify the problem, ensuring the vessel can return to its scheduled routes. This marks the second time this season that operations have been halted because of steering complications, as a previous sailing was canceled in late July due to a faulty steering pump. The next planned sailings are set for August 27, and those with bookings for that date will be promptly informed of any changes to the schedule.