No one has been able to get off or on Fogo Island since Thursday, because heavy ice conditions and dense fog have shut down ferry services and air travel.

"Five days, five full days," said Gerard Foley, the mayor of Fogo Island. "Last Thursday was the last full crossing that our ferry made, and since we had any air service, it's been since last Monday which is obviously a week today since we had a full day of service."

Foley said the island's school has been closed since last Wednesday, because a part needed to fix the school's water system has not been able to be delivered from Gander.

He added that residents have been unable to get to off-island medical appointments, stores have been unable to get supplies, and most people are feeling frustrated and isolated.

"It's almost reached the point of a state of emergency here on Fogo Island," said Foley.

Foley said an ice breaker will try to get through to the island on Monday to open a path for the ferry, but transportation officials will assess safety concerns and the density of the ice before deciding whether to make an attempt to open the path.