Mechanical issues continue to plague the ferry route between southern Vancouver Island and Tsawwassen. Due to an issue with one boat’s main engine, sailings out of Swartz Bay at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. are cancelled with the 5 and 9 p.m. trips at risk. The 7 and 11 a.m. trips from Tsawwassen to the Island are cancelled with the 3 and 7 p.m. at risk.
BC Ferries says it added a supplementary vessel to assist with traffic volumes, adding a 4:10 p.m. boat out of Tsawwassen and a 6:35 p.m. from Swartz Bay in North Saanich.
A mechanical issue arose early Monday (Feb. 3) with the Coastal Inspiration cancelling all sailings aboard that vessel for the day.
The 7 a.m. ferry out of Tsawwassen and corresponding 9 a.m. back out of Swartz Bay were cancelled after a mechanical issue with the boat's drive motor. Subsequent sailings were later cancelled, and a supplementary vessel added.
BC Ferries also cancelled several sailings to the Southern Gulf Islands, including the 6:15 a.m. out of Fulford Harbour and the 7 a.m. from Swartz Bay, as a result of Environment Canada’s severe weather forecast for heavy snowfall in that region. Other sailings on this route were expected to proceed as scheduled, starting with the 7:50 a.m. departure from Fulford Harbour.
Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands cancelled for Feb. 4 “to ensure the safety of our customers and crew.”
Cancelled sailings:
6:20 a.m. departing Long Harbour
7:10 a.m. departing Otter Bay
7:45 a.m. departing Village Bay
8:20 a.m. departing Sturdies Bay
9:55 a.m. departing Tsawwassen
11:00 a.m. departing Sturdies Bay
11:35 a.m. departing Village Bay
12:10 p.m. departing Otter Bay
Other sailings on this route are expected to proceed as scheduled, starting with the 3:35 pm departure from Long Harbour.
