Skip to Main content

10.46°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Apr 14, 2022 6:59 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. ferry needs tug after breakdown, prompts cancellations before long weekend

Share On

b-c-ferry-needs-tug-after-breakdown-prompts-cancellations-before-long-weekend

Travellers aboard a B.C. ferry heading to Nanaimo endured an epic late-night sailing when the vessel had engine trouble mid-voyage. (Photo - The Canadian Press)

Travellers aboard a B.C. ferry heading to Nanaimo endured an epic late-night sailing when the vessel had engine trouble mid-voyage.

BC Ferries says the Queen of Oak Bay departed Horseshoe Bay at about 8 p.m. Wednesday and was expected to reach Departure Bay on Vancouver Island before 10 p.m.

But the 90-minute trip became a five-hour marathon when the company says the ship had mechanical difficulty with its steering gear.

It says a tug was needed to bring the vessel into the dock in Nanaimo at about 1 a.m.

Repairs forced cancellation of numerous sailings between Nanaimo and the mainland on Thursday, adding to service disruptions that ferry officials warned were possible through the Easter weekend.

Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said earlier that a "full suite" of added sailings was planned for BC Ferries during the long weekend, but said cancellations are possible on short notice as increasing COVID-19 cases have the potential to affect staffing.

The company's website advises travellers to avoid waits by making reservations whenever possible, travelling at off-peak times and checking online for cancellations or schedule changes before setting out.

Latest news

b-c-conservatives-accuse-eby-of-breaking-1-000-grocery-rebate-promise

B.C. Conservatives Accuse Eby of Breaking $1,000 Grocery Rebate Promise

The B.C. Conservatives have launched an attack on the B.C. NDP and Leader David Eby during the provincial election campaign, accusing them of breaking election promises and pursuing failed economic policies. The Conservatives claim that exactly two years ago, the B.C. NDP promised to provide every family in British Columbia with a $1,000 grocery rebate but abandoned the commitment after winning the election. B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson questioned how voters could trust the NDP after the alleged broken promise, arguing that the province needs a change in government. Doerkson also cr

lng-canada-to-proceed-with-phase-2-expansion-in-b-c

LNG Canada to Proceed with Phase 2 Expansion in B.C.

LNG Canada says it will proceed with its Phase 2 expansion at its liquefied natural gas export terminal in Kitimat, B.C. The project will double the facility’s capacity to 28 million tonnes per year. The expansion is among five initial projects referred to Ottawa’s Major Projects Office last year. LNG Canada CEO Chris Cooper said the project will create thousands of jobs and further strengthen Canada’s role as a trusted energy partner. LNG Canada’s first phase began shipping liquefied natural gas last year. The project is a joint venture involving Shell, Malaysia’s Petronas, PetroChi

CanadaSep 29, 2026

Canada Extends Ebola Travel Restrictions for 60 Days

The Canadian government has extended travel and immigration restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak in Africa for another 60 days, until November 27, 2026. The measures apply to travellers and citizens from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Visa processing and travel documents for affected applicants will remain suspended. Under the restrictions, foreign nationals who have been in the DRC within the previous 21 days will not be allowed to board flights to Canada. Travellers arriving from Uganda and South Sudan must undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine after arr

canadas-economy-stalls-in-july-2026-after-three-months-of-growth

CanadaSep 29, 2026

Canada’s Economy Stalls in July 2026 After Three Months of Growth

Canada’s economy remained flat in July 2026 after three consecutive months of solid growth, with declines in manufacturing and the oil, gas and mining sectors weighing on overall activity. According to Statistics Canada, manufacturing output fell 0.9%, while the oil, gas and mining sector declined 0.5%. These declines were offset by gains in construction, which grew 1.3%, and public services, which increased 1.7%. Statistics Canada’s preliminary estimate suggests the economy could rebound by 0.2% in August. However, Deloitte Canada has lowered its 2027 GDP growth forecast from 2% to 1.6%,

doug-ford-urges-albertans-to-stay-part-of-canada

CanadaSep 29, 2026

Doug Ford Urges Albertans to Stay Part of Canada

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has urged Albertans to remain part of Canada, saying the country needs unity more than ever. Speaking alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at an industry conference in Calgary, Ford discussed the economy and energy policies before telling attendees that he has a great deal of love for the people of Alberta and that keeping the country together is especially important at this time. Alberta is set to hold a referendum next month on whether the province should remain in Canada or move toward another binding referendum on separation.

Related News

B.C. Conservatives Accuse Eby of Breaking $1,000 Grocery Rebate Promise

B.C. Conservatives Accuse Eby of Breaking $1,000 Grocery Rebate Promise

The B.C. Conservatives have launched an attack on the B.C. NDP and Leader David Eby during the provincial election campaign, accusing them of breaking election promises and pursuing failed economic policies. The Conservatives claim that exactly two years ago, the B.C. NDP promised to provide every family in British Columbia with a $1,000 grocery rebate but abandoned the commitment after winning the election. B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson questioned how voters could trust the NDP after the alleged broken promise, arguing that the province needs a change in government. Doerkson also cr

LNG Canada to Proceed with Phase 2 Expansion in B.C.

LNG Canada to Proceed with Phase 2 Expansion in B.C.

LNG Canada says it will proceed with its Phase 2 expansion at its liquefied natural gas export terminal in Kitimat, B.C. The project will double the facility’s capacity to 28 million tonnes per year. The expansion is among five initial projects referred to Ottawa’s Major Projects Office last year. LNG Canada CEO Chris Cooper said the project will create thousands of jobs and further strengthen Canada’s role as a trusted energy partner. LNG Canada’s first phase began shipping liquefied natural gas last year. The project is a joint venture involving Shell, Malaysia’s Petronas, PetroChi

Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski Seeks Judicial Review of Dismissal

Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski Seeks Judicial Review of Dismissal

Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski has filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court seeking a judicial review of his removal from office, alleging that political interference by Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke played a key role in the decision. In the petition filed Monday, Lipinski said he was given no notice or opportunity to respond before being dismissed. He alleges the decision was not based on his qualifications or performance, but was politically motivated. Lipinski specifically accused Mayor Brenda Locke of opposing the transition from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service and of making repe

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital