Repairs finished on BC Ferries vessel, some cancelled sailings ‘reinstated’

Mechanical issues stranded travellers in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island over the weekend and it appears those issues will persist.

A BC Ferries vessel that was pulled from service Saturday due to a mechanical issue has been repaired, allowing for some cancelled sailings to be “reinstated,” according to the company.

Transport Canada approved the Queen of Surrey’s return in time for the 1:15 p.m. departure from the Sunshine Coast community of Langdale.

In a statement, a BC Ferries spokesperson said engineering teams worked “through the night” to get the vessel up and running again.

“We know this disruption has affected thousands of people — families trying to get places, businesses moving goods, and communities counting on us,” the spokesperson said.

“Older vessels require complex, time-intensive repairs before they can safely return to service. That is why renewing the fleet and securing additional capacity are so critical.”

The company asked to replace five aging vessels earlier this year, and to add an extra relief ferry for unexpected outages, but was only granted approval for four, the spokesperson said.

Bringing back the Queen of Surrey also allowed for the Queen of Oak Bay and Queen of Alberni to return to their normal routes and schedules, allowing for some previously cancelled sailings from Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay to move ahead.

Up-to-date sailing schedules are available on the BC Ferries website.

Weekend impacts

The unexpected mechanical issue – discovered in the Queen of Surrey’s main engine turbocharger – resulted in multiple cancellations over the weekend, and long lines of frustrated travellers at BC Ferries terminals.

Some foot passengers resorted to taking water taxis across the water, while others were left scrambling for alternative transportation.

“It’s pretty par for the course for the coast. The Langdale to Horseshoe Bay route has long been ignored by BC Ferries,” said commuter Christopher August, who was among those impacted.

The mayor of Gibsons, Silas White, compared the situation to “shutting down the only highway in and out of town,” saying it threatens the local economy, health services and livelihoods.

He has called on the B.C. government to ensure reliable marine transportation for Sunshine Coast residents.

In a statement, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit said because BC Ferries is a private company, the province “remains at arm’s length from its day-to-day operations.”

“BC Ferries’ operations are overseen by both the BC Ferry Authority and the BC Ferries Corporation Board,” the statement said. “It is the ministry’s expectation that BC Ferries provides a reliable service that meets the needs of the communities they serve in alignment with the Coastal Ferry Services contract.

According to BC Ferries, the route operates at an annual loss of nearly $30 million.

“In fact, only one route in our entire system — Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay — covers its full costs. All other routes rely on the revenues from that major route, along with government support,” the spokesperson said.

“Beyond financial realities, service levels must also match demand and be scheduled to optimize use of ships, crews, and terminals. While we are committed to ensuring essential service, any expansion must be balanced against long-term sustainability, demonstrated demand, and operating constraints.”

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Demetra Maragos