A mechanical failure, high winds and a power outage are causing serious issues for BC Ferries’ sailings Wednesday (Sept. 29).
The transportation company had to cancel half of its trips between Victoria and Vancouver Wednesday (Sept. 29) due to a mechanical issue with one of its ships.
In a notice late Tuesday night, the transportation company said the Spirit of Vancouver Island ferry is having problems with its starboard gearbox. At that point, only the 7 a.m. from Swartz Bay and 9 a.m. from Tsawwassen were cancelled, but shortly before 8 a.m. BC Ferries cancelled the remainder of the Spirit of Vancouver Island’s trips for the day.
The Coastal Celebration will continue to run its sailings Wednesday, including one supplemental trip. It will run from Swartz Bay at noon, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. and from Tsawwassen at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Mechanical issues with the Spirit of Vancouver Island ferry also cancelled sailings on Sept. 20.
READ ALSO: Engine problem cancels two BC Ferries sailings between Victoria and Vancouver
BC Ferries apologized for any inconvenience caused and said it is working on the issue. Customers with bookings on the cancelled sailings will have their booking cancelled and the reservation fee refunded.
High winds also cancelled two ferry sailings between Vancouver and Nanaimo Wednesday. The 9:15 a.m. from Tsawwassen and 12:15 p.m. from Duke Point could not safely run. Travel there will revert to a standby basis and customers with reservations will be refunded.
Finally, shortly after 11 a.m. a fallen tree caused a large-scale power outage across the Saanich Peninsula and forced BC Ferries to stall its noon sailing out of Swartz Bay. Power was restored at 12:40 p.m. Sailings are now operating 60 minutes behind schedule, BC Ferries said.
READ ALSO: Close to 2,000 without power on Saanich Peninsula
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