With vessels in for repairs and reservations full, BC Ferries passengers face long delays
If you are hoping to travel between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay aboard BC Ferries, you better have a made a reservation or expect some long delays. The ferry service is down three vessels this weekend.
Not all people who tried to get a reservation on one of the vessels that is in service were successful.
“Three days ago, I looked for a reservation and it was booked for the whole week,” said Chris Thomas, who was hoping to make it to Bellingham from Victoria on Friday.
Unable to secure a reservation, Chris and friend Karen arrived at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Friday morning at 9 a.m. They were told they may get on the 5 p.m. sailing.
“If we’re lucky, she said,” said Chris.
For those who could make a reservation, it was smooth sailing.
On Thursday, all sailings on the route in both directions were at capacity before 2:30 p.m.(opens in a new tab)
Friday was much of the same, as BC Ferries’ largest vessel is in for repairs.
“The Spirit of Vancouver Island is currently out of service in dry dock. We need to make repairs to a ballast tank,” said Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs at BC Ferries.
