BC Ferries cancels several sailings due to wind warning

After nearly 200 days out of service, the Queen of New Westminster BC Ferries vessel is set to take to the waters once more.

Multiple ferry sailings have been cancelled between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island on Wednesday after Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the region.

BC Ferries cancelled a total of 19 sailings between Campbell River and Quathiaski Cove between 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. due to the adverse weather.

The ferry service says it made the decision to scrap the morning departures to ensure customer safety during strong winds and high waves in the Strait of Georgia.

Environment Canada is forecasting southeasterly winds reaching up to 90 km/h for the central coast and northern Vancouver Island regions throughout the day.

The weather office says the winds are expected to subside by the evening as a low-pressure system weakens and moves out of the area.

“Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” the agency warned. “High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.”

BC Ferries says it will monitor weather conditions throughout the day and reopen the Campbell River-Quadra Island route when it is safe.

“If conditions do not improve, additional sailings may need to be cancelled,” the ferry operator said in a statement on its website.