Travellers planning to sail between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland this week will want to double check their plans.
BC Ferries has implemented a revised schedule on its Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen route following a mechanical issue with one of its vessels.
The disruption stems from a problem with a starboard generator on the Spirit of Vancouver Island, prompting cancellations and reduced service through March 30th.
According to BC Ferries, sailings will continue throughout the day but at a lower frequency than usual.
Among the affected sailings are:
- The 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. departures from Swartz Bay
- The 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. departures from Tsawwassen
Customers booked on cancelled sailings are being contacted directly. Travellers may be accommodated on alternate sailings or offered refunds.
BC Ferries is also advising passengers to consider alternate routes where possible, including Tsawwassen to Duke Point or Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay.
The company notes that the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route requires a reservation.
BC Ferries says it continues to investigate the issue and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Passengers are encouraged to check current sailing conditions before heading to the terminal.
Below is the lastest BC Ferries schedule for Swartz Bay (Victoria) to Tsawwassen (Vancouver) route:
Following the announcement, just before 8:15 a.m. Tuesday morning, BC Ferries said its 8 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria) was being held due to a mechanical issue.
The Queen of New Westminster was experiencing problems with its pitch control system.
“We are working to fix this and will keep you informed as more information becomes available,” the company said.
“As soon as the problem is resolved, the vessel will resume service.”
In an update at 8:11 a.m., BC Ferries said it expects the remainder of Tuesday’s sailings on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route to operate as scheduled, including both 9 a.m. departures from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.
