A two-hour Nanaimo to Tsawwassen journey turned into a seven-hour ordeal for 21 passengers on board a BC Ferries sailing, after high winds prevented their vessel from docking.
The Queen of New Westminster left Duke Point at 11:45 last night, but strong winds complicated their arrival, the captain decided winds were too strong for the vessel to dock safely.
The boat also left Nanaimo one hour behind. It was supposed to begin its journey but didn’t leave until just before midnight due to a mechanical issue.
The ferry held its position in the waters near the Tswassen terminal overnight and passengers were able to disembark around 7am Thursday morning.
Stranded passengers were offered meals by catering staff.
.@BCFerries Coastal Inspiration inches into Tsawwassen, while Queen of New Westminster remains tied up after 7 hour #bcstorm sailing. pic.twitter.com/bASbeDpscI
— Jordan Armstrong (@jarmstrongbc) November 24, 2016
Queen of New Westminster still docked after passengers stuck aboard overnight crossing from Nanaimo to Tsawwassenhttps://t.co/cNJhBYkIqR pic.twitter.com/Up41MsauZF
— Rafferty Baker (@raffertybaker) November 24, 2016
.@BCFerries ship lurching as it inches out of berth into swell. 3rd officer on intercom says 40 knot wind will cause bumpy ride. pic.twitter.com/FutyGiSZkl
— Rafferty Baker (@raffertybaker) November 24, 2016
