KI back on track by Thursday
Ferry operator SeaLink has announced services to Kangaroo Island are on track to resume by Thursday.
Both ferries to Kangaroo Island, off South Australia's coast, are out of action, cutting off vehicle travel to the island.
Yesterday, it left about 300 people due to return to the mainland stranded.
Ferry operator, Sealink, blames a mechanical fault with the gearbox of the 'SeaLion 2000' and a 'fuel cooling issue'.
The other ferry, 'The Spirit of Kangaroo Island', used by Sealink is out of action due to routine maintenance.
SeaLink's Managing Director, Jeff Ellison, said work would be continuing today on the 'SeaLion 2000'.
"A part was flown to Adelaide today and will be fitted later today," he said.
"As safety of our passengers and crew is paramount, we had no other option byt to shut down the service yesterday."
Mr Ellison said it was expected 'the Spirit of Kangaroo Island' ferry would be back in service by Thursday evening, after being serviced at Osborne.
Once it is back in operation, ferrying supplies such as food, fuel and milk to the mainland will be a priority.
"This is most unfortunate and we understand it is causing inconvenience to many of our passengers and residents but we are working around the clock and doing everything we can to enable both of these ferries to be back in operation as quickly as possible."
SeaLink did charter a plane yesterday transferring people to Adelaide who had international flights.
Rex Airlines have also scheduled additional flights from the island to cope with the demand.
Kangaroo Island Mayor, Jayne Bates, told the ABC yesterday the loss of the ferry link to the mainland is a huge issue.
"I talked to SeaLink this morning and they're hoping to have the ferry that's in Adelaide at the moment back in the water by Wednesday," she said.
"The issue for us is that ferry also brings every commodity from fuel, bread, milk, everything we eat, drink and use, apart from the exports we send off the island."
Mr Ellison said SeaLink will be contacting all customers affected to help arrange accommodation or flights with Rex Airlines - the only other way to get to Kangaroo Island.
Customers affected are advised to call SeaLink on 13 13 01 or to visit the SeaLink website.
