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FORTUNE, N.L. —

The French ferry service between Fortune and St. Pierre-Miquelon has been shut down.

Brian Rose, operator of the Saint Pierre Ferry Office, told SaltWire Network he received an email on Sunday, March 15, indicating the service would be cancelled until further notice the following day.

Rose, who also operates Hotel Fortune and Fortune B&B, and is chair of Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland, said the last ferry departed from Fortune to the neighbouring French islands at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16.

The shutdown is sure to have a significant impact on the local economy, Rose said.

“We have crossings Wednesday, Friday and Sunday all winter long,” he said.

The provincial government closed schools in the province on Monday. Groups of students from around the province usually head out to St. Pierre from late April until June, as well, Rose noted.

“We just got to hunker down, hold our breath and hope everything works out,” he said.

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