B.C. Ferries has had to cancel approximately half of its scheduled sailings between Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay for Tuesday due to mechanical problems with one of its vessels. The disruptions began on Monday evening when the Queen of Cowichan encountered issues, and there is a possibility that Wednesday’s sailings may also be affected.
The cancelled sailings for Tuesday include those departing from Nanaimo at 6:15 a.m., 10:55 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., as well as those leaving Vancouver at 8:35 a.m., 1:25 p.m., 6:20 p.m., and 10:40 p.m. B.C. Ferries identified the main engine turbocharger on the Queen of Cowichan as the source of the problem and mentioned that their engineering teams are currently assessing the necessary repairs and the estimated duration of the maintenance work.
The disruptions led to tensions escalating at the Departure Bay terminal on Monday afternoon, with Nanaimo RCMP being called to provide support to B.C. Ferries staff as some passengers expressed their frustration over the cancellation of the 4 p.m. sailing.
Despite the challenges, the Queen of Oak Bay will remain operational, serving the unaffected half of the sailings between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay on Tuesday. B.C. Ferries has advised passengers of the option to use alternate service between Duke Point and Tsawwassen. Limited space will be available on the operational sailings, and travelers are encouraged to consider traveling as foot passengers or explore alternative routes.