Ferry's out: Travellers and supplies headed to Fort McPherson, N.W.T., stranded due to high water

High water on the Peel River near Fort McPherson, N.W.T., is making the crossing dangerous, and has forced the Department of Infrastructure to haltferry service.

The department's superintendent for the Beaufort Delta region says the problem is debris coming down the riverthat's pushing up against the boat.

"It's a cable ferry so there is a risk to losing the ferry and the passengers and the vehicles on board the boat," said Merle Carpenter.

"It would float down the river. And we don't want that to happen."

Water levels have risen two metres in the last four days, according to data from the Water Survey of Canada.

The ferry has been out of service since Monday, leaving fuel, groceries and other supplies stranded across the river from Fort McPherson.

Drivers heading to Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Inuvikare also waiting for the ferry to resume.

People in Fort McPherson havebeen bringing foodand water across the river by boat, and offering their cabins to the stranded travellers.

Carpenter says the ferry will re-open once water levels drop, but locals say judging from thewater levels, that could take a few more days.

In the meantime, people in Fort McPherson who need to get south can drive to Inuvik and fly out of there.

The ferry has been closed because of high winds or water for five days this season.

Carpenter says it was closed for 18 days last year.

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