Badger not sailing today

UPDATED: LUDINGTON — The S.S. Badger continues to be docked for the second day in a row, unable to sail due to a mechanical issue.

“We have experienced a malfunction with a boiler tube that has been difficult to find,” said Terri Brown, director of marketing and media relations. “Our engine room crew has worked tirelessly to return the Badger to service.”

In an earlier statement, Brown said engineers had found the problem and were making the necessary repairs. However, a new statement from LMC states that that may not be the issue.

Previously Brown stated the ship may still sail today, perhaps for an evening sailing. However, the new statement does not give a definitive sailing time or date. “We continue to use all of our resources to resolve the problem and return the Badger to service at the earliest possible time,” Brown said.

“This is the first time this season that we have not sailed due to mechanical issues.  We deeply regret the inconvenience we have caused our customers, and we are doing all that we can to minimize the impact on their travel plans.”

It is usual practice of the company to refund passengers who are unable to reschedule their trip. On Wednesday, Lake Michigan Carferry Service announced it would offer a 50 percent discount for those passengers who rescheduled for the next sailing.

“LMC regrets any inconvenience this may have caused our passengers,” Brown said.

The 2013 sailing season ends on October 13.