Staff shortages are again limiting the number of ferry sailings to and from Gabriola Island and downtown Nanaimo.
In a service notice, B.C. Ferries is advising passengers that Island Gwawis sailings for Thursday, July 21, have been cancelled “due to crew availability.”
The sailings departing Nanaimo Harbour terminal that have been cancelled include the 12:55, 2:15, 3:25 and 4:35 p.m. For Descanso Bay terminal on Gabriola Island, the 1:30, 2:50, 4, and 5:05 p.m. sailings will not be proceeding.
All sailings for the route’s other ferry, the Island Kwigwis, are anticipated to depart as scheduled, B.C. Ferries said.
B.C. Ferries apologized to customers for any inconveniences caused and said it appreciates their patience.
“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,” the service notice stated. “The decision to cancel a sailing in these circumstances is made when we have exhausted all options to find replacement crew. That said, if circumstances change and replacement crew become available, we will notify customers immediately.”
For more information related to B.C. Ferries, go to www.bcferries.com.
RELATED: Gabriola ferries on time with fewer waits: B.C. Ferries