BC Ferries Cancels Multiple Sailings Ahead of Busy Travel Weekend
Travel plans between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland have been disrupted after BC Ferries cancelled several sailings on the Swartz Bay–Tsawwassen route due to a mechanical problem.
The issue affects the Spirit of Vancouver Island, one of the major vessels operating on the route.
Recurring Generator Problem Forces Vessel Out of Service
According to BC Ferries, the disruption is linked to a malfunction in one of the ship’s generators. The same component had caused issues earlier in March, leading to previous service interruptions.
Engineering teams are currently assessing the extent of the problem, and there is no confirmed timeline for when the vessel will return to full operation.
Cancelled and Adjusted Sailings
Due to the outage, six sailings were cancelled on Tuesday:
Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen:
- 11:00 a.m.
- 3:00 p.m.
- 7:00 p.m.
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:
- 1:00 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m.
- 9:00 p.m.
To help reduce disruptions, BC Ferries has added extra sailings:
Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen:
- 6:00 p.m.
- 8:00 p.m.
Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:
- 4:00 p.m.
- 10:00 p.m.
Passengers affected by cancellations are being contacted with options for rebooking or refunds.
Limited Backup Capacity Raises Concerns
The situation has also highlighted ongoing challenges with fleet capacity. BC Ferries had previously proposed adding a fifth vessel to improve reliability and handle service disruptions more effectively.
However, only four new ferries were approved, limiting the system’s ability to respond to unexpected mechanical issues.
Future Fleet Plans and Challenges
The approved vessels are expected to be hybrid diesel-battery ships, with the first delivery anticipated in 2029. The procurement process has also drawn public attention and debate.
In the meantime, BC Ferries says it remains focused on keeping passengers moving as efficiently as possible, especially with increased travel expected over the Easter weekend.
What Travellers Should Know
With ongoing service adjustments, travellers are advised to:
- Check current sailing schedules before departure
- Allow extra travel time
- Consider alternative routes where possible
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
For any issues or concerns, please contact us at issue@surreyspeak.com.
Have a local story or update to share? Become a Citizen Journalist or volunteer with Surrey Speak—your voice matters in shaping local news.
We believe AI is a powerful, positive tool that supports creativity and responsible journalism.
📩 Contact: marketing@surreyspeak.com
