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Hopes are high that the Spirit of Ontario cross channel fast ferry could be leaving the City of Rochester in the US  for Dover very soon. Mayor Bob Duffy says the sale - which has been in the pipeline since May - could be complete within a matter of days.

Spirit of Ontario prepares to leave

"I would say probably in the next 24 to 48 hours all the issues with Euroferries, we hope should be solidified and a decision for departure date should happen," said Robert Duffy, Mayor of Rochester.

Work crews have been inspecting the ship for weeks, but only recently was there a full crew on board and it was fully fueled for final departure. That's because the St. Lawrence Seaway closes for the season soon, it's the only way out for the ferry. Six months ago, Euroferries agreed to buy the ship for $29.8 million dollars. But it has yet to show the City the money, which means the deal could still sink.

"It's like anybody who would sell a car, you wouldn't want anyone to drive away from your driveway unless you had something in hand, some assurances that it's paid for," said Duffy.

For now, work crews will continue to inspect the ship and prepare it for its new home on the English Channel.