Strong winds, mechanical problems, ship swaps and crew shortages led B.C. Ferries to cancel sailings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Daytime sailings between Departure Bay in Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver were cancelled Tuesday because of strong winds and a mechanical issue on both the Queen of Oak Bay and the Queen of Surrey. Three sailings were scheduled for Tuesday evening on that route.
The schedule for Wednesday on that route has been altered as the Queen of Oak Bay subs in for the Queen of Surrey, which is having mechanical difficulty with the ship’s main engine.
The new plan is for a 5:30 p.m. sailing departing Horseshoe Bay (previously 6:35 p.m.), a 7:40 p.m. sailing departing Departure Bay (previously 8:45 p.m.) and 9:40 p.m. departing Horseshoe Bay (previously 10:10 p.m.)
B.C. Ferries says its customer service centre will contact customers with bookings on cancelled sailings to inform them if there is space on another sailing. If a booking is cancelled, B.C. Ferries will refund fees and/or fares, the company said.
A staffing shortage initially disrupted sailings between Crofton and Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island but enough staff was found to resume regular service.
To keep up to date on B.C. Ferries, follow @BCFerries on Twitter or go to current conditions at bcferries.com or call toll free at 1-888-223-3779.
