BC Ferries has scraped some sailings between Vancouver Island and the Mainland and “crewing challenges” are to blame, according to the company.
At 12 p.m., BC Ferries issued a service notice advising of Tuesday afternoon and evening cancellations on the Queen of Alberni, which sails from Nanaimo’s Duke Point to Tsawwassen and vice versa.
June 7th cancellations include:
- 3:15 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
- 5:45 p.m. departing Duke Point
- 8:15 p.m. departing Tsawwassen
- 10:45 p.m. departing Duke Point
However, BC Ferries notes that alternate service is available via the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay routes.
Representatives are contacting affected customers to let them know if space is available on alternate sailings or if their booking must be cancelled and refunded, the company explains.
But sailing cancellations may come as no surprise.
As a staff shortage continues to plague BC Ferries, it prompted a warning to customers earlier this year to expect delays and altered sailing schedules into the peak summer season.
In March, BC Ferries said vaccination policies, troubles recruiting international candidates, and a shortage of professional mariners were fueling hiring challenges.
“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,” reads the latest notice.
On Monday, BC Ferries also cancelled multiple sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay due to a “crewing issue.”
“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 would notify customers immediately,” it added.
For the latest on route statuses, visit the BC Ferries Service Notices page for details.
