DAWSON CITY – It took less time than anticipated to fix the problem with the George Black ferry and it was back in operation by Wednesday afternoon – although posted notices had said it would be Thursday.

There were issues with the shaft, said a couple of mechanics coming off a ferry run that afternoon.

The Yukon government told CBC Yukon that a log had jammed under the boat and bent one of the propeller shafts.

Aside from the possible damage to the engine from such an event, regular passengers reported that the ferry had been making an unusual and most unpleasant noise in recent crossings.

Until recently, when water levels diminished here during a week of hot, dry weather, there was high water and a lot of debris washing down the river.

The last time anything like this interrupted the sailing schedule was in 2018.

That year, the ferry grounded on a gravel bar just north of the west side landing and damaged its propeller.