BC Ferries has announced the cancellation of two sailings on Friday, June 9th between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen due to a staff shortage.
The company initially faced the risk of cancelling four sailings, but managed to find staff for two of them. Unfortunately, the company said it was unable to secure sufficient staffing for the 8 p.m. sailing departing Swartz Bay and the 10 p.m. sailing departing Tsawwassen.
The specific vessel affected by the crew shortage is the Coastal Renaissance.
As a result, the 8 p.m. sailing from Swartz Bay (Victoria) and the 10 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) have been cancelled. However, the last sailing of the day, departing at 9 p.m. from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on the Spirit of Vancouver Island, will still operate as scheduled.
#ServiceNotice As BCF has been unsuccessful in securing the required crew on the #CoastalRenaissance, the following sailings this evening, June 9, have been cancelled:
8:00 pm departing #SwartzBay
10:00 pm departing #TsawwassenMore here: https://t.co/Bb6W3XcLs6 ^at
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) June 9, 2023
BC Ferries said the cancellation of sailings is a result of the need to comply with Transport Canada regulations and to ensure passenger safety in the unlikely event of an emergency.
“We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of these cancellations,” the company said on its website.
BC Ferries’ said its customer service centre will reach out to customers with bookings on the affected sailings to inform them about the availability of alternative sailings or the cancellation of their reservations.
In cases of cancellation, customers will receive refunds for fees and fares.
BC Ferries is suggesting passengers to consider the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route as an alternate option. The company’s website provides the schedule for this route.
The two cancelled sailing could be reinstated if enough staff are secured for the sailings.
