A BC ferry arrives at Swartz Bay. (File).
BC Ferries says Penelekut Islanders will see ferry service resume Thursday after nearly two weeks of being cut off from neighbouring islands.
The worst storm in BC Hydro’s history pummeled the South Coast right before Christmas, taking out the power to some 350,000 customers across Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
But the near 500 residents of Penelekut Islanders were left somewhat stranded.
The islands’ ferry dock was badly damaged in the storm, its bolts were pulled right from the ramp by massive waves.
“Just like taking a highway and ripping it out and nobody has that highway off the island,” said resident August Sylvester.
The damage prevented BC Hydro crews from even getting to the island to restore service, so the holidays for most residents were dark and cold.
A water taxi did eventually get up and running shuttling people off Penelakut in small numbers without cars.
BC Ferries expected it would be mid-January before the dock would be fixed, but things are moving ahead of schedule.
“We are pleased to announce that the MV Kuper will commence service to Penelekut terminal as of the 6:30 a.m. sailing on Thursday, January 3,” said BC Ferries in a service notice.
#ServiceNotice #Chemainus – #PenelakutIsland – #ThetisIsland #MVKuper will commence service from Penelakut terminal as of tomorrow January 3 at 6:30am: https://t.co/6yaPf37hFo. ^hy
— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) January 2, 2019
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