It has been anything but smooth sailing lately for Greater Victoria residents travelling off the Island.
Sailing cancellations have become a common occurrence for BC Ferries passengers over the summer, resulting in long lines and marathon waits up and down the B.C. coast.
Last Saturday (Aug. 20) saw four sailings cancelled between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. Foot passengers at the Swartz Bay terminal were also informed that pay parking facilities were full on Saturday afternoon and they were advised to arrive by public transit or by taxi.
Mechanical issues, staff shortages and crew members falling ill have led to cancellations on almost every route over the summer. Crew availability and mechanical issues Wednesday (Aug. 24) resulted in cancellations of sailings between Horseshoe Bay on the mainland and NanaimoB次元官网网址檚 Departure Bay as well as Langdale on the Sunshine Coast.
B次元官网网址淲e require a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of our passengers,B次元官网网址� according to a statement from BC Ferries. B次元官网网址淭he decision to cancel a sailing in these circumstances is made when we have exhausted all options to find replacement crew.B次元官网网址�
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But things are looking up for those forced to endure long waits. BC Ferries has tripled the number of terminals with Wi-Fi.
The terminals with newly added Wi-Fi include Nanaimo Harbour, Gabriola IslandB次元官网网址檚 Descanso Bay, the Comox ValleyB次元官网网址檚 Buckley Bay, Port HardyB次元官网网址檚 Bear Cove, Salt Spring IslandB次元官网网址檚 Long Harbour and Vesuvius Bay, Quadra IslandB次元官网网址檚 Heriot Bay, Denman IslandB次元官网网址檚 Gravelly Bay, Pender IslandB次元官网网址檚 Otter Bay, Mayne IslandB次元官网网址檚 Village Bay, Saturna IslandB次元官网网址檚 Lyall Harbour, Galiano IslandB次元官网网址檚 Sturdies Bay, Cortes IslandB次元官网网址檚 Whaletown and Cormorant IslandB次元官网网址檚 Alert Bay.
BC Ferries discontinued Wi-Fi on board vessels a year ago, saying that providing quality, reliable Wi-Fi access was cost-prohibitive.
Have you been caught up in the long waits at BC Ferries terminals this summer? Take our poll and let us know.
Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.
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