BC Ferries cancels 35 sailings, disrupting weekend travel plans
BC Ferries has scrapped 35 trips on its Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route through the weekend due to mechanical problems.
The issue stems from a malfunction in the propulsion system of the Queen of New Westminster, a 60-year-old ferry that was taken out of service on Tuesday.
“The fall refit season unofficially began this week with repairs on the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster,” BC Ferries said in a release. “Divers have identified that one of the vessel’s propellers sheared off from its propulsion shaft. The propeller has been located and planning is underway for its recovery.
“Repairs will require the vessel to be in dry dock, for which space has been secured later this month.”
#BCFNews
As a busy summer comes to a close, we’re focused on preparing for annual refits and vessel maintenance. The refit season unofficially kicked off this week with repairs required on the 60-year-old #QueenofNewWestminsterLearn more 👉 https://t.co/YWQRFcloQm
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) September 5, 2024
Friday has the most cancellations, including the 8 am sailing from Swartz Bay and the 10 am departure from Tsawwassen, followed by cancellations of every two-hour sailing in both directions until the 8 pm departure from Swartz Bay.
To see a full list of cancellations, click here.
“As a result, all sailings for the Queen of New Westminster have been cancelled through September 30th. Should the repair schedule change for any reason, the sailing schedule will be updated and passengers will be notified.”
Queen of New Westminster (Ryan Sharpe/Wikimedia Commons)
To help manage traffic volumes, BC Ferries has added the following sailings for Saturday, September 7, on a different vessel:
- 2 pm departing Swartz Bay
- 4 pm departing Tsawwassen
- 6 pm departing Swartz Bay
If your sailing was among those cancelled, BC Ferries’ Customer Service Centre will contact you regarding rebooking options or cancellations. In the event of a cancellation, any fees or fares will be refunded.
- You might also like:
- Stuck at Swartz Bay? Here are 10 ways to kill time at this BC Ferries terminal
- 5 must-follow meme accounts if life in BC makes you want to cry
- 5 remote Gulf Islands near Victoria ideal for backcountry camping
With files from Daniel Chai