It's been a trying summer for those who depend on the ferry crossing between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island – especially for tour operators and truck drivers.

Only one of two ferries has been operating since the spring. Now the second ferry - the MV Confederation - has been out of service since Thursday, and there won't be any sailings on Saturday either.

“I hope the federal government realizes this is an entry point to Pictou,” said Pictou Mayor Joe Hawes. “The economy is slow enough as it is around here and we can't afford any more disappointments.”

The problems began before the summer season. The MV Holiday Island has been in dry dock in Quebec for months now, and just as it was expected back in service, the MV Confederation ran into mechanical trouble.

It’s frustrating for truck drivers delivering goods and tourism operators on both sides of the sailing.

“The tourism traffic in 2016 around the province was much higher, but the traffic pattern has definitely changed and a lot people up and down this shore surely felt it,” said Wes Surrett, general manager of the Pictou Lodge Beach Resort.

Both ferries would typically run all summer and into the beginning of October, but with the MV Holiday Island out of commission, another vessel was used for an additional crossing each day and is showing the extra wear and tear.

Northumberland Ferries did not respond to questions about when the Holiday Island will be operational. In Prince Edward Island it is a political issue, with opposition parties asking for year-round service.

A tourism association in Pictou County has called a meeting next week to discuss the impact of the reduced service.

“Somebody needs to correct this issue,” said Surrett. “I’m not sure if it’s a funding issue or if it’s an operational issue.”

The second ferry is expected to return from Quebec Friday night, but there's no word on when it will be back in service.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.