Crew shortages result in cancellations on Cortes to Quadra ferry, potentially on Nanaimo to Gabriola

After finding a replacement crew, four sailings between Cortes Island and Quadra Island have been restored, but a number of sailings on the Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island route have been cancelled.

Earlier this morning, BC Ferries cancelled all the sailings on the Cortes Island to Quadra Island route, then at 12:45 announced a replacement crew had been found and four sailings would resume.

There were 12 scheduled sailings for Saturday.

“We require a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of our passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency and to comply with Transport Canada regulations,” BC Ferries says on its website. “The decision to cancel a sailing in these circumstances is made when we have exhausted all options to find replacement crew.”

On the Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island route, BC Ferries says the following sailings have been cancelled:

• 5:40 p.m. departing Gabriola Island
• 6:15 p.m. departing Nanaimo Harbour
• 6:50 p.m. departing Gabriola Island
• 7:30 p.m. departing Nanaimo Harbour
• 8:00 p.m. departing Gabriola Island
• 9:10 p.m. departing Nanaimo Harbour
• 9:40 p.m. departing Gabriola Island
• 10:05 p.m. departing Nanaimo Harbour
• 10:30 p.m. departing Gabriola Island
• 11:00 p.m. departing Nanaimo Harbour

“The last departures on this route tonight will be the 4:35 pm departing Gabriola Island and the 5:05 pm departing Nanaimo Harbour,” BC Ferries said on its website. “A water taxi has been sourced and will provide complimentary service on the regular posted schedule beginning with the 5:40 pm sailing from Gabriola Island.”

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