The mystery has been solved.

Recent social media posts showing a new ferry near the Comox Harbour had people teasingly asking BC Ferries if the company had lost one of its fleet.

The company was coy in its response to a tweet a couple of weeks ago, but has finally come clean with the answer.

It is not a lost boat - itB次元官网网址檚 a new one.

BC Ferries has officially unveiled Island Discovery - the new vessel for the Texada Island B次元官网网址� Powell River route.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a planned public unveiling of Island Discovery was not possible.

Instead, BC Ferries has produced a video to introduce the latest addition to the fleet.

The vessel will begin regularly scheduled service Wednesday, June 10, with the 3 p.m. sailing.

B次元官网网址淚sland Discovery is the first of a series of hybrid-electric ships designed for future full electric operation,B次元官网网址� reads a BC Ferries press release. B次元官网网址淭he ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding become available.B次元官网网址�

The Island Discovery has a capacity of 47 vehicles and up to 392 passengers.

With the Island DiscoveryB次元官网网址檚 addition to the BC Ferries fleet, the 59-year-old North Island Princess will be retired.

The second vessel in the Island Class series, Island Aurora, will replace Quadra Queen II on the Port McNeill B次元官网网址� Alert Bay B次元官网网址� Sointula route later in June. Quadra Queen II will become a relief vessel.

(The Aurora was the vessel photographed in the May 24 tweet.)

terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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