The Société des Traversiers du Québec (STQ), the Québec government ferry service, seems to be haunted with bad luck.
Reference a recent post: the ancient Radisson built in 1954, completed its umpteenth rebuild at Industrie Océan and returned to service in Quebec City to allow the Alphonse Desjardins to go for refit. Once the Desjardins was taken out of service and its refit started the Radisson decided not to slow down as it approached the Quebec City dock and "alided" with the boarding ramp, puncturing its hull below the main deck level, but above the waterline. Four passengers sustained injuries characterised as minor, and the Radisson was removed from service. This leaves only the Lomer Gouin to operate the busy Québec- Lévis commuter service.
The Radisson of today bears little resemblance to its orginal appearance (similar to its 1979 look in this photo. The entire superstructure has been replaced - some of it more than once.)
This photo was taken prior to its most recent rebuild:
Of course the reason for the Radisson rebuild was to have a spare ferry for use when another vessel was out of service for refit or damage. (Doh). The Québec-Lévis ferry service and the two bridges across the river at Québec have become overtaxed but a new bridge or tunnel and its location have become a huge political hot potato in Québec. No decision is expected soon and there is a possibility that Ottawa may step in with funds. (If so Halifax, which also needs a third bridge will have its hand out too. Halifax's brand new mayor (as of last night's election, October 19) is the recently retired [Liberal] Federal Member of Parliament from Halifax - he may know who to call - for now.
2. The Svanoy with is crew of Newfoundlanders has returned to Ile-aux-Coudres / St-Joseph-de-la-Rive to allow the Felix-Antoine-Savard to go for its refit. The Joseph Savard has now returned to full operation after its major refit.