The MV Coho has announced it will be extending its sailing suspension between Victoria and Washington, in light of the travel restrictions still expected to remain in place between the two countries due to the ongoing pandemic.
The ferry operator released a statement on Thursday stating that the decision to extend the suspension of operation into May was “due to the closure of the border between the United States and Canada to all but essential travel.”
Black Ball Ferry Line, the operator of MV Coho, had initially cancelled its daily ferry runs between the two cities on March 30th through April 30th.
“We have fully cancelled and refunded all ferry, hotel and attraction bookings for travel between May 1 and June 30, 2020. All cancellations have been automatically processed to each customer’s credit card without the need to contact us,” reads the statement.
“July sailings are still in pending status until we learn when the border will re-open to non-essential travel and it is considered safe for people to begin travelling again.”
On March 19th, the Victoria Clipper V suspended its service between Victoria and Seattle until at least May 20th.
“Our number one priority and concern as a business is the health and safety of our employees, staff, crew, passengers and the greater public,” said David Gudgel, CEO of Clipper.
In accordance with an agreement between Clipper Navigation, Inc. and Unifor Local 114, all of Clipper’s Canadian union employees will be placed on temporary layoff starting March 24th.
