BC Ferries has cancelled some Friday sailings amid wind warnings, with the potential for more cancellations throughout the day as travellers head into the weekend.
Sailings between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, and Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay are facing a number of cancellations.
For Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, the 3, 5, and 6 p.m. leaving Swartz Bay and 3, 4, and 5 p.m. leaving Tsawwassen have been cancelled.
#ServiceNotice Due to adverse weather conditions, the following sailings between #SwartzBay & #Tsawwassen have been cancelled for today, February 3:
3:00pm/5:00pm/6:00pm departing Swartz Bay
3:00pm/4:00pm/5:00pm departing Tsawwassen
More info here: https://t.co/gq5X9QMsX2 ^jr
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 3, 2023
The 3:45 p.m. leaving Horsehoe Bay to Departure Bay and 5:55 p.m. leaving Departure Bay have been cancelled.
#ServiceNotice Due to adverse weather conditions, the following #QueenofCoquitlam sailings have been cancelled for today, Friday, February 3:
– 3:45 pm departing #HorseshoeBay
– 5:55 pm departing #DepartureBay
More information here: https://t.co/XE3vCoLNfV
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 3, 2023
Additionally, the Quinsam ferry between Crofton and Vesuvius is facing delays due to a power outage at Vesuvius Bay resulting in the ramp being inoperable.
#ServiceNotice #Crofton – #Vesuvius Due to a power outage at the terminal, the #Quinsam is currently holding in dock at Vesuvius Bay. The 3:00pm sailing from Vesuvius Bay to Crofton will be delayed as the ramp is currently inoperable.
More info here: https://t.co/QaD2cJ1FeW ^jr
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 3, 2023
As the wind warning is still in effect, BC Ferries is warning that additional sailings may be cancelled and are advising travellers to check its website for the latest.
If you are sailing with us today, check the latest conditions and status of your sailing 👇
Current Conditionshttps://t.co/f43kPkNPYv
Departures and Arrivalshttps://t.co/bUdutv0dW9
All Routes at a Glancehttps://t.co/PJTQT4HNvN
We'll keep you updated here too 👊 (2/4)
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 3, 2023
Yet, BC Ferries says adverse weather could lead to more cancellations on the route, as well as on other routes like Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver), Duke Point (Nanaimo) to Tsawwassen, Little River (Comox) to Westview (Powell River) and Earls Cove (Sunshine Coast) to Saltery Bay (Powell River).
“We will continue to monitor the weather forecast and will provide further updates as soon as more information is available,” said BC Ferries.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is of primary importance to us. We apologize for any inconvenience as a result of these cancellations and potential cancellations.”
Gale force wind on the way
Early Friday, Environment Canada issued a gale warning for the Strait of Georgia, where the wind is expected to increase to southeast 35 to 45 knots around noon. A gale is a strong wind, and warnings are issued when wind speeds of 34 to 47 knots are predicted.
Meanwhile, Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands and parts of B.C.’s Mainland, including Metro Vancouver, are also under wind warnings.
Environment Canada says strong southeast winds of 70 gusting to 90 kilometres per hour are expected near the water this afternoon before shifting southwest and gusting to 70 km/h, then easing around midnight.
“Damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches,” the weather agency added.
BC Ferries says some sailings are still at risk of cancellation starting at 3 p.m.
Ferrygoers can find more route status information here. The company says its customer service team will reach out to those customers impacted by cancellations.
#ServiceNotice #HorseshoeBay #Langdale Due to adverse weather conditions, the following sailings are at risk of cancellation for tomorrow:
5:30 pm / 7:50 pm Ex. Vancouver
6:40 pm / 8:55 pm Ex. Sunshine CoastMore info: https://t.co/trBh5r5QeA ^dk
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) February 3, 2023
Ethan Morneau
