Sunferries cancelled their 9.30am service to Magnetic Island and their 10.15am service from the Island this morning after an object was picked up on the propeller.

General Manager, Mr Darrin McDonald, told Magnetic Times, "We picked up something on the prop so we brought it (the vessel) back (to Breakwater Terminal).

Darrin McDonald explained that although Sunferries always have a back-up boat, to get it into service takes one hour of warming the engine as well as call in a suitably qualified crew.

In this morning's breakdown the obstruction was cleared before the next service.

As for public complaints, according to Darrin McDonald, "I haven't heard of too much (public complaints) from downstairs (Sunferries ticketing and reception staff)".

Sunferries had contacted regular passengers who subscribe to Sunferries SMS Emergency Service soon after the problem was detected.