At least a dozen BC Ferries crossings on the south coast were canceled Saturday, with the corporation blaming “crew availability” for its continued struggles.
As of midday, 12 crossings had been cancelled. Nine more sailings were at risk of cancellation between Swartz Bay, Mayne Island, Pender Island and Tsawwassen.
Saturday afternoon and evening cancellations on the Salish Heron to the Southern Gulf Islands were as follows:
- 15:35 from Tsawwassen.
- 16:40 from Sturdies Bay.
- 17:15 from Village Bay.
- 17:50 from Otter Bay.
- 19:30 from Long Harbour.
- 20:20 from Otter Bay.
- 20:55 from Village Bay.
- 9.30pm from Sturdies Bay.
ex Otter Bay 15:35/19:05/20:55
ex Village Bay 16:10/18:30/21:30
More information here:
—@BCFerries
Morning cancellations included four crossings between Tsawwassen on the mainland and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.
“We require a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of our passengers,” BC Ferries said in a statement. “The decision to cancel a sailing in these circumstances is made when we have exhausted all options to find replacement crew.”
Sailing cancellations have become a regular occurrence on BC’s ferry network this summer, with the high number of cancellations listed as the reason for the firing of the corporation’s CEO at the end of july
The first edition8:18 BC Ferries closes the annual general meeting after a tumultuous summer
Ferry Advisory Committee Chair Diana Mumford talks to Stephen Quinn about what was discussed.
According to the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union, ongoing understaffing on BC Ferries ships has been attributed to crew members falling ill with COVID-19, lack of hiring and a lack of qualified crew.
An amendment to the Coastal Ferries Act is currently pending in the legislature. The amendment would provide greater oversight of BC Ferries’ operations. The union has spoken out in support of the legislation in the past.
The ferry corporation told foot passengers at the Swartz Bay terminal that the paid parking facilities were full Saturday afternoon. They were advised to arrive by public transport or by taxi.