BC Ferries' Queen of New Westminster returns to service after weekend of repairs
Vessel ready to make 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay
After BC Ferries cancelled eight sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay this weekend because of a damaged vessel, normal service was set to resume Monday morning.
The Queen of New Westminster was taken out of service on Sunday due to a mechanical issue with one of its pitch propellers. It was repaired and back on the water in time to make the 10 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay on Monday.
The following sailings were cancelled:
Departing Tsawwassen terminal
- Sunday, 12 p.m.
- Sunday, 4 p.m.
- Sunday, 8 p.m.
- Monday, 6 a.m.
Departing Swartz Bay terminal
- Sunday, 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 6 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 p.m.
- Monday, 8 a.m.
The Spirit of Vancouver Island ran an additional round trip sailing Sunday night.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCFHeadsUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCFHeadsUp</a><br>We have added sailings this evening departing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwartzBay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwartzBay</a> at 11pm & departing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tsawwassen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tsawwassen</a> at 1am (displaying as 11:55pm in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CurrentConditions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CurrentConditions</a> due to same day limitations). Going to be a late one folks, however, we are working to get you home. Apologies for delays. ^rd
—@BCFerriesAnyone who had a reservation for cancelled sailings was told they would be refunded their reservation fee and accommodated on the next sailing available.
Those customers were told to check in at the terminal at the original check in time for their first reserved sailing, so BC Ferries staff could line customers up in the proper order.
On Sunday, passengers who didn't have a reservation were asked to arrive early and prepare for delays.
BC Ferries communications manager Tessa Humphries said there was no replacement ferry available.
"As it's the summer season, all of our ferries are in use at the moment across the province," she said.
Last month, BC Ferries cancelled two sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay after the same vessel experienced problems with its rudder.