One round trip between Vancouver and Nanaimo is cancelled Tuesday, April 26 due to another crew shortage. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SAILINGS CUT

Crewing issue again behind cancelled Nanaimo-Vancouver round trip

Apr 26, 2022 | 9:29 AM

NANAIMO — BC Ferries have altered their schedule for Tuesday afternoon after being short crew.

The company has announced the cancellation of the 5:55 p.m. sailing from Departure Bay and the following 8:05 p.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay on Tuesday, April 26.

“We require a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of our passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency and to comply with Transport Canada regulations,” a service notice from BC Ferries read.

Customers with reservations will be made aware of the change in advance and offered to either refund the trip or travel on a different sailing.

Boats will now leave Nanaimo’s Departure Bay at 10:40 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:20 p.m. and 8:05 p.m.

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Return trips leave Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay at 10:40 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 5:40 p.m., 10:10 p.m.

It’s the latest in a continuing list of cancelled sailings due to staff shortages.

Most have occurred on minor routes with the Gabriola Island crossing affected late last year.

BC Ferries have warned a shortage of mariners, existing staff retiring from the company and COVID-19 vaccine mandates is leaving them short of workers and resulting in cancelled service.

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