By Canadian Press

B.C. ferry needs tug after breakdown, prompts cancellations before long weekend

Apr 14, 2022 | 10:12 AM

VANCOUVER — Travellers aboard a B.C. ferry heading to Nanaimo endured an epic late-night sailing when the vessel had engine trouble mid-voyage.

BC Ferries says the Queen of Oak Bay departed Horseshoe Bay at about 8 p.m. Wednesday and was expected to reach Departure Bay on Vancouver Island before 10 p.m.

But the 90-minute trip became a five-hour marathon when the company says the ship had mechanical difficulty with its steering gear.

It says a tug was needed to bring the vessel into the dock in Nanaimo at about 1 a.m.

Repairs forced cancellation of numerous sailings between Nanaimo and the mainland on Thursday, adding to service disruptions that ferry officials warned were possible through the Easter weekend.

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Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said earlier that a “full suite” of added sailings was planned for BC Ferries during the long weekend, but said cancellations are possible on short notice as increasing COVID-19 cases have the potential to affect staffing.

The company’s website advises travellers to avoid waits by making reservations whenever possible, travelling at off-peak times and checking online for cancellations or schedule changes before setting out.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2022.

The Canadian Press