BC Ferries will be down a ship for the month after the Queen of New Westminster was taken out of commission due to a “mechanical issue”.
Now, BC Ferries has confirmed the issue was that one of the propellers came off the vessel on Wednesday.
“Divers inspecting the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster have identified that one of the vessel’s propellers sheared off from its propulsion shaft,” wrote BC Ferries in a media release.
“The propeller has been located and planning is underway for its recovery.”
To repair the Queen of New Westminster, the ferry will have to be dry docked. BC Ferries says they have secured dry dock space later this month, but the vessel will be out of commission for the rest of the month, at least.
BC Ferries has also admitted a significant chemical leak was caused by the propeller coming off the vessel.
“Regarding the environmental impact, we have confirmed that approximately 800 litres of light hydraulic oil was released into the water as a result of the propeller loss,” said BC Ferries in a statement to Victoria Buzz.
“This oil disperses quickly in the marine environment and visual inspections by other vessels in the area have not detected any remaining oil sheen on the water.”
Related:
- BC Ferries cancels several more sailings as Queen of New Westminster out of service
- Mechanical issue prompts BC Ferries to cancel numerous Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen sailings
They say they immediately contacted the Canadian Coast Guard about the leak and are working with them to mitigate any possible environmental impact.
BC Ferries added that more updates on the repair schedule will be shared should anything change.
While the Queen of New Westminster undergoes repairs the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) – Swartz Bay (Victoria) schedule has been revised to include an alternate vessel.
Below is the revised schedule that will extend until September 30th:
