https://shipfax.blogspot.com/2023/12/ctma-vacancier-off-to-scrap.html
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023
The veteran passenger / ferry C.T.M.A. Vacançier has been sold for scrap to India. Details are sketchy so far (will it be towed or sail on its own - how about the Red Sea?) but the ship's Canadian registration was closed December 14, and for now the ship is still alongside in "warm" layup in Georgetown, PE.

Starting in 2002 the ship ran a weekly seasonal service between Montreal and Cap-aux-Meules (Grindstone) Magdalen Islands carrying tourists, passengers and cars. The 10 week season allowed for about 30 trips. Its customary early Thursday morning upbound passage off my cottage in Quebec was announced by its two booming V-16 Stork Werkspoor main engines, which could be heard well in advance. In winter, thanks to its Baltic ice class the ship took over the Souris, PE to Cap-aux-Meules service.

At the end of the summer season in October 2019 the ship was laid up. In 2020 it was chartered to the Société des Traversiers du Quebec (STQ) for the Matane / Baie Comeau / Godbout service when the regular ship was in for repairs. It was also available as back up for the C.T.M.A.'s Souris, PE to Cap-aux-Meules service. In 2020 the regular Montreal run was cancelled due to COVID and never resumed.

Addendum - 2024-01-17
https://shipfax.blogspot.com/2024/01/ctma-vacancier-follow-up.html
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
Soon after the scrapping announcement, it was revealed that the ship would be sailing to India "on its own bottom". As usual with ships sold for scrap, it was re-registered in a flag of convenience country - in this case St.Kitts and Nevis - a favourite amongst ship scrappers. Its name was also altered with a few swipes of the paint brush, becoming the Ancier.

On Saturday, January 13 it was reported to be re-fueling, and possibly taking on stores for the trip. On Sunday a sheen was reported on the water in the area. The sheen was confirmed to be a spill from the ship, but the circumstances have not been reported. A clean up operation got under way, a boom was rigged at the stern of the ship and other Coast Guard and commercial assets were deployed.

No departure date has been confirmed yet, as it may take some time to carry out an investigation. The ship may be detained officially.