A four-sailing wait greeted travellers looking to catch the Swartz Bay-to-Tsawwassen ferry early Friday afternoon.
The backup was down to two sailings within a few hours.
B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said there were only three ferries on the route Friday rather that the usual four because the Spirit of Vancouver Island is undergoing repairs.
The loss of the Spirit of Vancouver Island means 11 of 57 Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen sailings from Friday to Sunday are being cancelled.
Marshall said Sunday afternoon is expected to be particularly busy heading from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
The end of spring break for many schools is making this weekend particularly busy.
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Earlier story.
The Spirit of Vancouver Island will remain out of service through next week due to a hydraulic issue with a propeller, leading to the cancellation of sailings on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route.
The ferry will go into dry dock in Vancouver on Friday for about a week of repairs, said B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall.
That means there will not be four vessels available for the expected busy times on Friday and Sunday. Eleven of 57 sailings will be cancelled on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Saturday’s schedule will be unaffected.
Morning sailings will be added Sunday between Duke Point and Tsawwassen to provide travellers with an alternative.
Those heading from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Sunday are advised to avoid expected heavy traffic Sunday afternoon.
