Sailings on B.C. Ferries' Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay route are facing big delays in the wake of a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in West Vancouver.
Two people died in the crash, which happened just before midnight on Wednesday. West Vancouver police said a driver travelling the wrong way on the highway near Westport Road caused a head-on collision.
The incident closed vehicle traffic on Highway 1 west of Exit 4 near Caulfeild Drive, blocking westbound traffic — including B.C. Ferries staff on their way to work.
“Our 6:30 a.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) departed 90 minutes behind schedule due to a vehicle accident on Highway 1 westbound, preventing our crew from reaching the Horseshoe Bay terminal,” B.C. Ferries said in a statement issued at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
Several other sailings were also expected to be delayed:
• 9:05 a.m. departing Departure Bay
• 11:25 a.m. departing Horseshoe Bay
• 1:40 p.m. departing Departure Bay
• 4 p.m. departing Horseshoe Bay
According to the company’s website, the Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Bowen Island (Snug Cove) ferries were also affected, with the first three sailings of the day facing delays of around 30 to 40 minutes.
“Earlier loading procedure is causing ongoing delay,” read a notice for the 9:05 a.m. vessel, which was marked as “full.”
For those wanting to retain their reservations, B.C. Ferries said to arrive during the check-in window noted in the booking confirmation email.
“We know you have important places to be and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of this sailing delay,” B.C. Ferries said.
At around 9 a.m. Thursday, West Vancouver police said that one westbound lane opened on Highway 1 as the final stages of the accident cleanup concluded, and that the second lane would open shortly.
For up-to-date sailing and departure information, go to bcferries.com or follow @BCFerries on X.
