Ferry sailings between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island have been cancelled for later today, June 25, says B.C. Ferries.
Citing crew availability on the Island Kwigwis vessel, a service notice stated that while a 4:35 p.m. sailing departing Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island, and a 5:05 p.m. sailing from Nanaimo Harbour, will depart as usual, all sailings for the rest of the day will not proceed.
In all, 5:40, 6:50, 8, 9:40, and 10:30 p.m. sailings from Descanso Bay terminal and 6:15, 7:30, 9:10, 10:05 and 11 p.m. sailings from Nanaimo Harbour are all cancelled.
“A 50-person water taxi has been sourced and will provide complimentary service on the regular posted schedule beginning with the 5:40 pm sailing from Gabriola Island,” B.C. Ferries said.
While there are two ferries servicing the route, with the Island Gwawis the other, B.C. Ferries said the Island Kwigwis is the only one that runs in the evening.
Specific numbers of crew are needed on vessels to ensure passenger safety and adhere to Transport Canada regulations, B.C. Ferries said in notice, and the decision came about as it had “exhausted all options to find replacement crew. That said, if circumstances change and replacement crew become available, [it] would notify customers immediately.”
For up-to-date sailing schedules and more information, go to www.bcferries.com.
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