B.C. Ferries has announced the cancellation of multiple sailings between Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, with additional cancellations potentially looming. The disruptions on the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale route stem from a mechanical issue affecting the propeller shaft of the Queen of Surrey.
The problem emerged on Friday evening, leading to the vessel being escorted back to the dock by a tugboat. Consequently, the 7:40 a.m. PT (departing Langdale), 8:50 a.m. PT (departing Horseshoe Bay), and 10:00 a.m. PT (departing Langdale) sailings have been called off.
Further cancellations may impact the 11:10 a.m. (departing Horseshoe Bay), 12:15 p.m. (departing Langdale), and 1:20 p.m. (departing Horseshoe Bay) sailings, pending approval from Transport Canada following sea trials of the Queen of Surrey on Saturday morning.
B.C. Ferries has assured affected customers that they will be notified about rebooking options on alternative vessels. This incident marks the latest in a series of mechanical challenges faced by the 46-year-old Queen of Surrey. Previous disruptions occurred in April due to a generator issue and steering panel problem, as well as last September because of a turbocharger malfunction.