A hydraulic issue has pulled The Spirit of Vancouver Island from service, which may cause disruptions for BC Ferries passengers travelling between Vancouver Island and the mainland, BC Ferries announced Tuesday.
The Spirit of Vancouver Island, which operates the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route, remains out of service due to a hydraulic issue with the port side controllable pitch propeller.
The vessel will dry dock on March 31 for approximately one week for repairs.
As a result of the mechanical issue, a modified sailing schedule is in effect for March 30, 31 and April 2, which cancels 11 of 57 Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay sailings. Customers with reservations on these sailings are being notified by BC Ferries’ Customer Care team and accommodated on the next available sailing.
BC Ferries has also added additional Sunday morning sailings for April 2 on the Metro Vancouver – Nanaimo (Tsawwassen – Duke Point) route for customers who may wish to consider travelling that route as an alternative as follows.
There will be sailings in both directions at 5:15 a.m. and at 7:45 a.m.
Heavy traffic is expected on several sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island this weekend.
BC Ferries anticipates Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoon and evening to be busy. In particular, late Sunday afternoon at Tsawwassen will be extremely busy.
Customers may wish to consider travelling earlier from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Sunday to avoid heavy traffic.
For updates and full scheduling informaton, visit bcferries.com. To make a reservation call 1-888-BCFERRY.
— NEWS Staff and BC Ferries release