B.C. Ferries has cancelled multiple north coast sailings this week due to crew members sick with COVID-19.
The cancellations, which began Sunday and are expcted to last until Friday, affect sailings from Prince Rupert, Skidegate, Bella Bella and Port Hardy.
B.C. Ferries said it requires a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of all passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency, and to comply with Transport Canada regulations.
“We will continue to provide updates as soon as they become available,” said the corporation on its website.
B.C. Ferries is trying to accommodate passengers with various options, such as arranging charter flights on a first-come first-serve basis, prioritizing passengers who were previously booked for medical-related travel.
The Northern Adventure will provide essential cargo and supplies between Prince Rupert and Skidegate using limited crew.
The cancelled sailings include:
• April 27 — 7:30 a.m. departing Bella Bella
• April 27 — 5:15 p.m. departing Port Hardy
• April 28 — 12:30 a.m. departing Bella Bella
•April 28 — 2:30 p.m. departing Prince Rupert
• April 29 — 12:30 a.m. departing Skidegate
B.C. Ferries said its customer service centre will contact customers with bookings on these cancelled sailings to let them know their booking must be cancelled and that fees and fares will be refunded. Customers should keep their receipts and contact customer relations for compensation consideration.
For more information and updates, go the B.C. Ferries website at bcferries.com or call toll free at 1-888-223-3779.
