Vincent Coleman ferry returns to Halifax Harbour service

The Vincent Coleman ferry returned to service on May 19 after being out of operation for nearly four months, according to the Halifax Regional Municipality.

In a public service announcement issued May 15, the municipality said the ferry will resume service four days later at 10:15 a.m. following successful testing and sea trials. The Alderney ferry will then return to its regular weekday schedule, operating every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.

The Vincent Coleman had been out of service since January due to a steering system issue that required specialized replacement parts.

Meanwhile, the Craig Blake ferry remains out of service as it undergoes scheduled inspections and major repairs. Halifax Transit says the vessel is not expected to return until later this year.

The municipality thanked residents for their patience during the service disruption.

The ferry is named after Vincent Coleman, a Halifax railway dispatcher remembered for his actions during the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Moments before the blast, Coleman stayed at his post to warn incoming trains of the danger, sending his final message: “Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys.”