Mechanical Issue Forces Weekend Disruptions
B.C. Ferries passengers faced frustrating delays this weekend after a mechanical issue forced multiple cancellations between Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
The problem began Saturday evening when crews on the Queen of Surrey discovered a fault with the vessel’s main engine turbocharger. That discovery immediately led to four cancelled sailings, and the disruptions continued through Sunday and into Monday.
Service Adjustments and Vessel Reassignments
To keep passengers moving, B.C. Ferries reassigned the Queen of Oak Bay from its regular Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay route to cover Horseshoe Bay–Langdale sailings. While this helped maintain service, it also meant new cancellations between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo.
Company spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow explained that, even with the Queen of Surrey out of service, B.C. Ferries is operating at 69% capacity on Route 3 (Horseshoe Bay–Langdale) and 83% on Route 2 (Horseshoe Bay–Departure Bay).
Marlow encouraged passengers to check the current conditions page before travelling. Customers with reservations on cancelled sailings will be rebooked on later departures whenever possible.
Community Frustration Builds
Not everyone was reassured by the contingency plans. Powell River–Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill was among those stranded by cancellations. On social media, she highlighted that she had already been delayed twice last week—once due to a failed ramp at Langdale and again while trying to return to the Legislature.
“We deserve consistent, safe service and I am working hard to ensure that happens,” Neill wrote.
Sechelt Mayor John Henderson echoed public frustration, calling the breakdowns “predictable” and linking them to provincial funding decisions. He argued that the $500 million given to B.C. Ferries in 2023 to hold down fares would have been better spent on new vessels.
“Alas, we have ancient vessels that, like all of us oldtimers, break down often,” Henderson commented.
Repairs Highlight Need for New Fleet
B.C. Ferries has not confirmed when the Queen of Surrey will return to service. Marlow stressed that older ships require “complex, time-intensive repairs” and said the incident highlights the urgent need for fleet renewal.
“Newer vessels bring greater reliability, and we will also continue advocating for an additional vessel in the fleet to provide the resilience needed when issues arise,” Marlow said.
Interim Measures for Passengers
Until the Queen of Surrey is repaired, the Horseshoe Bay–Langdale route will run with 45-minute delays. To help foot passengers, water taxis are being provided between the two terminals until further notice.
The Takeaway
With aging vessels and growing demand, B.C. Ferries faces mounting pressure to modernize its fleet. For now, passengers should prepare for delays, check schedules often, and allow extra time for travel.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on B.C. Ferries and travel disruptions in British Columbia.
