BC Ferries cancels several Easter sailings due to mechanical issue
BC Ferries has cancelled several Thursday sailings between Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay because of a mechanical problem.
The cancelled sailings ahead of the busy Easter long weekend could mean extended wait times for those travelling out of Horseshoe Bay without reservations on later sailings.
The Queen of Oak Bay is having issues with its steering gear, BC Ferries said on its website. The ship’s 6:15 am and 10:40 am sailings out of Horseshoe Bay have been cancelled. Its 8:25 am and 1 pm sailings out of Departure Bay have also been scratched.
#ServiceNotice #DepartureBay – #HorseshoeBay #QueenofOakBay The following sailings have been cancelled due to a mechanical issue:
6:15am ex Horseshoe Bay
8:25am ex Departure Bay
10:40am ex Horseshoe Bay
1:00pm ex Departure Bay
Full details here: https://t.co/jLGVyeYPoE— BC Ferries | Reconnecting BC (@BCFerries) April 14, 2022
“We are working to resolve the problem and will keep you informed as more information becomes available,” the ferry operator said.
It suggested travellers use the Tsawassen to Swartz Bay route instead or consider travelling as a foot passenger.
Long weekends are a notoriously busy time for people travelling between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and BC Ferries said customers driving onboard without a reservation can expect multiple sailing waits.
The busiest travel times are Thursday evening, Friday morning, and Monday afternoon.
“If you’re travelling without a booking and your plans are flexible, we recommend travel at less busy times or walking on board.”
#BCFHeadsUp
We’re expecting a busy weekend of travel on the coast. Customers driving on board without a booking may experience sailing waits. If you’re travelling without a booking & your plans are flexible we recommend travel at less busy times or walking on board. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/bAU0UgZwEY— BC Ferries | Reconnecting BC (@BCFerries) April 13, 2022