After just three months in service, the new Wolfe Islander IV ferry suffered damage reportedly after striking the lakebed. The ferry began full-time service in August 17, 2024. The incident left a 30-centimetre (approximately 11-inch) gash in the hull. No injuries were reported among passengers, and the vessel continued to Kingston, where an investigation into the incident was launched.
Some critics have labeled the vessel a “fair-weather boat,” expressing doubts about its ability to handle Ontario’s more severe winter conditions.
The MV Wolfe Islander IV is an environmentally friendly, zero-emission ferry that operates between Kingston, Ontario, and Wolfe Island. It succeeds the MV Wolfe Islander III and offers a 50% boost in capacity. The vessel was built at the same time as the Amherst Islander II, which shares the same electric propulsion system and is designated to run between Amherst Island and Millhaven, Ontario.
Last year the bill for repairs was estimated at $1 million to $2 million. The Scuba News Canada doesn’t have an update as of this article on the total cost.
Environment Canada reported that strong winds were blowing on the day Wolf Islander IV ran aground, but it has not been confirmed if weather or crew training was the issue for the grounding.
Repairs to the Wolfe Islander IV have been finalized at Ontario Shipyards in Hamilton. If weather conditions allow, the ferry is scheduled to be towed back to Kingston by the McKeil tug Wyatt M. on April 30, 2025.
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