Mechanical problem interrupts 4 BC Ferries crossings between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo

A mechanical problem has stopped a BC Ferries ship, causing cancellations on a busy route between West Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

BC Ferries announced Friday morning shortly before 7 a.m. that four sailings are cancelled.

“We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of these cancellations,” the statement read.

The 6:30 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. sailings from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay have been cancelled and the 9:05 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. sailings from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay have also been cancelled.

Mechanical difficulties with the Queen of Oak Bay’s emergency power supply led to the cancellations.

Other crossings are expected to operate normally and an alternate route from Tsawwassen to Duke Point is suggested.

“If you have a booking on one of these cancelled sailings, you will be contacted by our customer service centre who will let you know if we can offer you an alternative sailing later in the day,” a spokesperson said. “If your booking has to be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, we will refund your fees and/or fares.”

The next available departure from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo is at 8:40pm, as the 4pm and 6:20pm departures are both full.

The Queen of Cowichan is in service and operating from 4pm from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay with seats still available Friday morning.