Metro Vancouver to Gulf Islands ferries cancelled due to mechanical issue

The Salish Eagle BC Ferries vessel is shown. Artist: John Marston (BC Ferries / Facebook)

BC Ferries sailings between Metro Vancouver and the southern Gulf Islands were cancelled Thursday morning due to a mechanical issue with the vessel.

The cancellations span from 6:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. on the route between Tsawwassen and Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, Mayne Island and Galiano Island.

The company cited difficulty with the Salish Eagle’s propulsion system.

BC Ferries says people travelling to the southern Gulf Islands from Tsawwassen can travel to Victoria first as an alternative using a thru fare ticket.

“If you have a booking on one of these cancelled sailings, you will hear from our customer service centre who will let you know if we can fit you on an alternate sailing later today, or if your booking must be cancelled,” reads a notice on the BC Ferries website.

“We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience as a result of these cancellations.”

The full list of cancelled sailings includes:

• 6:20 a.m. departing Long Harbour (Salt Spring Island)
• 7:10 a.m. departing Otter Bay (Pender Island)
• 7:45 a.m. departing Village Bay (Mayne Island)
• 8:20 a.m. departing Sturdies Bay (Galiano Island)
• 9:55 a.m. departing Tsawwassen
• 11:00 a.m. departing Sturdies Bay
• 11:35 a.m. departing Village Bay
• 12:10 p.m. departing Otter Bay