Shadow Minister of Transport, Shawn Crockwell called for commuters to be better informed after the East End ferry service was cancelled at the last minute yesterday.

Ferries from St. George's and St. David's were suspended yesterday morning after mechanical problems were not resolved during the weekend.

However, commuters may have been left stranded because the media was only informed via e-mail at 7 a.m. the same morning services were cancelled.

Last night Mr. Crockwell said he hoped any mechanical problems would be resolved and an investigation into the problem would be done.

He said: "Obviously we are concerned about the fact that service has been disrupted and the information we have received has been untimely.

"I hope the Premier in the capacity of Minister of Transport will look into resolving the problems.

"People need to know in advance if they can rely on public transportation."

The email from the Government's Department of Communications said that a technical problem with some of the ferries in the fleet would leave St. George's and St. David's without water transportation until further notice.

Only two weeks ago the East End ferry service was suspended for what Marine and Ports described as "scheduled" maintenance on the Tempest and the Venturilla.

The Warbaby Fox shifted from its St. George's route to help with West End duties.

So yesterday Mr. Crockwell urged the Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, Ewart Brown, to, if necessary bring in the mechanics trained in fixing the ferries.

He stressed, however, that without knowing the reason the ferries were out yesterday, he was not sure where the problem was and asked for an investigation into the matter.

"We need to make sure we've got the people here who are needed to maintain these vehicles," he added, "But like I said, that's without knowing the reason why (the ferries were out of service)."

Yesterday, the mechanical issues were resolved, though nothing was released about the problem, and the East End Ferry Service resumed in time for commuters at the end of the day.