Last Day for the MV "Grand Manan" - September 12, 2010

The MV "Grand Manan" made its last trips today, September 12, after serving the island since 1965.  A new ferry, the MV "Grand Manan Adventure" is currently under construction and the MV "Grand Manan V" will become the second ferry, operating only in the summer and every second year when the "GM Adventure" goes into refit for six weeks. n the MV "Grand Manan" has served the island well over the last 45 years.

A cake was available for all passengers and balloons decorated the saloon.  Signal flags were hung from bow to stern and across the bridge.  Several people took this last opportunity to ride over on the ferry and back again.  The last trip had special invitations to Allison Thomas who was the first passenger in 1965 from St. Andrews and Fraser Shepherd who works as captain on the "Grand Manan" for many years.  The ferry captain saluted the island as he backed away from the wharf with a long blast on its powerful horn and again as the ferry went around Swallowtail for the last time.  Both ferries saluted each other as they crossed paths along the ferry route.  Aerial photos were also taken.  The ferry will remain in the area until the new ferry arrives as a back up in case anything happens to the "Grand Manan V" but today was the last scheduled.

Swallowtail has seen many firsts and lasts and this is one more.

MV "Grand Manan" passing Swallowtail Light on the 9:30 trip to Blacks Harbour.