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A mechanical issue with a B.C. Ferries vessel has halted service between the Sunshine Coast and Texada Island.
The Island Discovery vessel’s propulsion system had an issue during a Friday night sailing from Blubber Bay on Texada Island to Westview in Powell River.
B.C. Ferries spokesperson Ceilidh Marlow said an engineering team is actively working on the issue as of Saturday afternoon.
“We recognize the impact cancellations have on our customers and communities and appreciate their patience,” said Marlow.
The B.C. Ambulance Service was also onboard transporting a patient when the issue occurred.
“The Coast Guard assisted with a medical transfer once the vessel reached the berth at Texada,” Marlow said.
All sailings along the route were cancelled on Saturday.
‘Whole night ordeal’
Mara Decker and her boyfriend went to Texada Island from Powell River for a day trip, but unexpectedly had to stay the night due to the cancelled ferry.
Carly Tre was on the vessel when the mechanical issue happened and said the Coast Guard also responded. (Carly Tre)
“When we went to get the ferry on the way home, it had been cancelled,” Decker said. “We were told that we were stuck on the island, so we frantically went to the Texada Inn.”
They managed to get a room and spent the night on the island.
“Thankfully, we did have a place to stay last night, or we would have definitely been sleeping in our car,” Decker said.
On Saturday morning, they took one of the complimentary water taxis and had to leave their vehicle on Texada Island.
“I had to work today, so it was a real panic,” Decker said.
They are waiting for service to resume so they can drive back and get their vehicle.
“What should have just been a few-hour day trip … turned into a whole night ordeal, and we had to spend hundreds of dollars, with hotel, food and gas.”
Mara Decker watched from Texada Island as the Coast Guard approached the BC Ferries vessel. (Mara Decker)Stuck on ferry for hours
Carly Tre was on the Island Discovery when the mechanical issue happened.
What should have been a 45 minute voyage from Texada Island to Powell River ended up being much longer.
“We ended up being out there for just under four hours,” Tre said.
“We were out on the water sailing, and the power seemed to be off in some places, like half lights in the bathroom, and then the ferry was just sitting there in the water not moving,” Tre said.
WATCH | B.C. Ferries cancels sailings between Vancouver Island and mainland heading into long weekend:
B.C. Ferries cancels sailings between Vancouver Island and mainland heading into long weekend
B.C. Ferries is pulling two major vessels from service ahead of the Easter long weekend. The Queen of Surrey and Spirit of Vancouver Island serve some of the busiest routes between Metro Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo, but as Amelia John reports, maintenance issues are once again plaguing the aging fleet.
Correction: A previous version of this video used an incorrect name for Eric McNeely, B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union president.
She describes the vessel scuttling along very slowly, and she ended up missing an event she had planned.
“This boat is still pretty brand new, and it’s actually a bit disappointing that it cannot perform better,” Tre said.
Texada Island resident Zachary Goldman said in an email that he was supposed to travel to Powell River, as he works there overnight.
A ferry comes in to dock at the Powell River Ferry Terminal. (Madeline Green/CBC)
“Had to call in very last minute. They had to scramble to find coverage and I also lost out on quite a bit of money,” Goldman said. “Not my favourite experience, but part of living on a small island.”
B.C. Ferries said it is exploring options for supplementary service, which would include potential support from other routes, should the service disruption continue.
Two water taxis, which can transport 12 people at a time, started running at 6:00 a.m. PDT on Saturday.
A tug was used to assist bringing the Island Discovery to Powell River. Service updates will be posted on the B.C. Ferries’ website.