‘Mechanical difficulty’ with BC Ferries vessel engine halts some sailings

BC Ferries says that due to a “mechanical difficulty” in one of their vessels, some sailings have been cancelled between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.

This is in addition to inclement weather conditions causing delays and cancellations. 

Previously cancelled sailings on Tuesday, February 4th:

• 7 a.m. departing Tsawwassen 
• 9 a.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 11 a.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 1 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 3 p.m. departing Tsawwassen

Additional Cancelled Sailings:

• 5 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 7 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 9 p.m. departing Swartz Bay

According to BC Ferries, their engineers are investigating the issue and they will update the route’s service notices as more information becomes available. 

To help deal with the number of travellers trying to travel between Vancouver Island and the mainland, a supplementary vessel has been added to the route to assist with traffic volumes for Tuesday. 

Modified schedule with additional sailing times:

• 5 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 6:35 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 7 p.m. departing Swartz Bay
• 9 p.m. departing Tsawwassen

BC Ferries says that if customers have a booking on one of these cancelled sailings, they will hear from customer service representatives who will let them know if an alternate sailing can be, or if the sailing must be cancelled. 

In the case of a cancellation, BC Ferries says they will refund all fees and fares. 

Additionally, an alternate terminal of service is available via the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) – Duke Point (Nanaimo) route. 

“We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of these cancellations,” said BC Ferries in a service notice. 

For customers with reservations who are impacted by these cancelled sailings BC Ferries compensation policy is available online, here. 

Receipts must be provided for compensation to be considered.

Up-to-date sailing and departure information can be found on BC Ferries Current Conditions page or on their X account.