BC Ferries Breakdowns, Delays, and Collisions.
Feb 18, 2025
by Mathew Channer
Difficulties continue for BC Ferries after several days of delays on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route last week.
Mechanical issues with BC Ferries vessel Coastal Inspiration resulted in 3 days of cancelled voyages before the vessel was pulled from service for main engine repairs.
The Sailish Heron and Spirit of Vancouver Island were brought in to cover the route while Coastal Inspiration is repaired.
Coastal Inspiration is now back in service.
BC Ferries also cancelled sailings to Bowen Island last week after the floating berth at Snug Cove moved in severe weather, preventing safe operation of the vehicle ramp from the ferry to shore.
Water taxis were brought in to help ferry passengers while the situation was assessed and repaired. However, vehicles and large goods were not able to be moved on and off the island during that time.
The issue with the Snug Cove vehicle ramp occurred just days after BC Ferries vessel Queen of Capilano struck three docked vessels while unberthing at the same location.
The moment was captured on video and aired on CBC.
Nobody was hurt, but one of the vessels needs extensive repairs.
Commuters have voiced their frustration with the service, and the BC-based publication The Times Colonist published a scathing cartoon depicting an empty BC Ferries meeting due to service delays.
This streak of negative publicity comes as BC Ferries awaits a decision from the British Columbia Ferry Commission to allow it to build five New Major Vessels to replace four older vessels and increase the fleet from 11 to 12 vessels.
BC Ferries says the plan aims to make the fleet more reliable, increase services to meet rising commuter and tourism traffic and keep fares as affordable as possible.
The British Columbia Ferry Commission has not announced when it will announce its decision on the proposal, though a decision is expected this year.
BC Ferries has also released a survey asking residents, organisations and communities in coastal BC to help inform how it can better serve coastal communities.
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