An elevator outage is once again plaguing one of BC Ferries’ vessels, so the ferry company has brought portable washrooms back on board a vehicle deck for those who can’t take the stairs.
Around 9:40 a.m. Wednesday, BC Ferries said all elevators on the Queen of Cowichan were out of service, meaning access between vehicle and passenger decks was limited to stairs only.
“Sailings for the remainder of the day from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) and Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) will have washroom facilities available to passengers on the main vehicle deck,” according to BC Ferries.
Washrooms, the Coastal Café and passenger seating are on passenger decks.
The company says alternative service is available via the Tsawwassen (Vancouver) – Duke Point (Nanaimo) route for customers who require elevator access to the passenger decks.
The ferry schedule is here.
It was the same situation last week when BC Ferries had to utilize portable washrooms on the Queen of Cowichan. On Jan. 8, porta potties were brought onto the vessel’s main vehicle deck due to an elevator outage, and a technician had to be called in to fix the issue.
In the notice, BC Ferries says it appreciates customers’ patience and apologizes for any inconvenience amid the outage. It adds that updates will be posted online as more information becomes available.
On its website, BC Ferries says the Queen of Cowichan, built in 1976, can fit up to 1,494 passengers and crew and 312 vehicles.
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Ethan Morneau
