​For immediate release

LMI’s Kamutik W enroute to Blanc Sablon

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) -- The Kamutik W departed Lewisporte at noon today
enroute to Blanc Sablon to begin service to Corner Brook. The vessel will be escorted by
the CCGS icebreaker Edward Cornwallis to Cape Bauld. The CCGS Henry Larsen will
provide an escort the rest of the way to Blanc Sablon. Winds gusting to 45 knots an
hour prevented the Kamutik W from departing last night as originally planned.

The Kamutik W is carrying 11 commercial tractor trailers and in excess of 15 passenger
vehicles. The vessel’s progress can be followed through the website
www.marinetraffic.com.

Arrival time at Blanc Sablon and departure for Corner Brook will depend on ice
conditions. People planning to book travel on the Kamutik W should consult LMI’s
website at www.labradormarine.com . This is the only official source of information for
the vessel.
​
For further information, contact:
Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO
(709) 896-2421

​LMI to implement interim Labrador to Corner Brook ferry service
(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) -- Labrador Marine announced today that due to continued severe ice conditions on the Strait of Belle Isle, it is implementing an interim service from Blanc Sablon, Quebec to Corner Brook. LMI will utilize its north coast vessel, the Kamutik W, for the Blanc Sablon to Corner Brook run. Ice conditions along the Blanc Sablon-Corner Brook route are expected to make for favourable travel.
While both the Qajaq W and the Kamutik W have similar passenger and vehicle capacity, the Kamutik W is outfitted with a bigger ramp, making it appropriate for discharging and taking on traffic at Corner Brook. The Kamutik W also has accommodations cabins, making it more suitable for the 10 to 12-hour journey between Blanc Sablon and Corner Brook.
The Kamutik W will depart Lewisporte for Blanc Sablon this evening, February 20 and will carry both private vehicle and commercial traffic. LMI has been in constant contact with commercial traffic and in excess of 10 tractor trailers are booked to travel. The Kamutik W is expected to arrive at Blanc Sablon on Friday afternoon. Further details, including the Blanc Sablon-Corner Brook schedule, will be released on Friday through the LMI website and public media.
DETAILS FOR THE FEBRUARY 20, LEWISPORTE-BLANC SABLON TRIP  Reservations can be made online at www.labradormarine.com or by phone 1 (866) 535-2567.
 Passenger cabins will be available based on reservation order and need.
 Cafeteria service will be provided.
 Travel costs will be identical to those charged on the Blanc Sablon-St. Barbe service.  Passengers must use CASH to pay passage and meals.
 Traffic should be checked in by 7 PM. The Kamutik W will begin loading at 8 PM.
“We recognize the impact ice conditions are having on the lives of our customers who use the Strait of Belle Isle service,” said LMI President and CEO Peter Woodward. “We will do everything possible reduce the hardship it is causing.”
The Qajaq W will remain at Blanc Sablon and will resume service across the Straits to St. Barbe when ice conditions improve. With continuing adverse wind conditions on the Straits, ice pressure ridges have built near Anchor Point on the approach to St. Barbe and outside Blanc Sablon on the route to St. Barbe.
Labrador Marine apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the recent disruption in service. We will continue to work hard to provide service and ensure that passenger, crew, and ship safety are maintained.
For further information, contact: Peter Woodward, LMI President and CEO - (709) 896-2421