Ferry crossings between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will be cancelled again Monday as officials grapple with the aftermath of a fire aboard the MV Holiday Island. The fourth day of cancellations during a period of peak demand comes as a blow to the region’s tourism industry as it continues to recover from pandemic shutdowns.

Yet it also shines a light on the ability of Maritimers to come together in difficult times, with even the chief executive of the ferry company opening his door to stranded passengers.

The cause of the blaze, which broke out in the engine room of the MV Holiday Island, remains unknown.

“We believe it was from the forward main engine but will take some time before we are able to enter that space,” Don Cormier, vice-president of Northumberland Ferries, said during a media briefing Sunday.

“We want to make sure that there’s no chance of reignition of the fire.”