British Columbia ferry company BC Ferries said that due to staff shortages it was forced to cancel some routes between the Vancouver area and the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
BC Ferries explained in a statement posted on its website that some crossings between Metro Vancouver and Victoria had been canceled because there were not enough crew personnel available to ensure passenger safety.
We must have a certain number of crew on board to ensure the safety of our passengers in the event of an emergency, as prescribed by Transport Canadarefers to the Company.
On Friday morning, scheduled cancellations are:
Friday
- 4:00 pm Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
- 6:00 pm Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
Sunday
- 4:00 pm Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
- 6:00 pm Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
- 8:00 pm Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
- 10:00 pm Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
An alternative is to take the ferry on the routes between Tsawwassen and Duke Point or Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay.
A cancellation … canceled
Cruises between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale on the Sunshine Coast that were supposed to be canceled on Friday morning have been rescheduled as BC Ferries found enough staff. Cruises at 8:40 am, 11:00 am to Langdale and 9:50 am and 12:10 pm to Horseshoe Bay will continue as planned.
This situation is confusing for passengers, many of whom are asking on social media.
BC Ferries will contact passengers with reservations at canceled crossings and inform them of the possibility of traveling the next day.
In case of canceled trips, the booking fees and other costs paid by the passengers will be refunded.
Voyages between Chemainus and Penelakut Island on Thursday night were also canceled due to lack of manpower. Offered a water taxi.
Source: Radio-Canada
