Strong Winds Cancel Multiple BC Ferries Sailings to Vancouver Island

BC Ferries has announced the cancellation of several sailings to and from Vancouver Island on Thursday due to high winds affecting the Strait of Georgia. The company has prioritized the safety of its customers and crew, responding to a severe weather forecast issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

ECCC has issued a special weather statement, warning of strong southwesterly winds expected in the northeast and southeast regions of Metro Vancouver, including Surrey and Langley, as well as the west and central Fraser Valley. The agency indicated that an approaching low-pressure system will bring winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially hitting 80 kilometres per hour late Thursday afternoon.

Cancelled Sailings and Customer Support

As a result of these weather conditions, BC Ferries has cancelled several sailings. The affected routes between Nanaimo and Vancouver include:

• The 10:15 a.m. departure from Duke Point
• The 12:45 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen
• The 10:55 a.m. departure from Departure Bay
• The 11:05 a.m. departure from Horseshoe Bay
• The 1:20 p.m. departure from Departure Bay
• The 1:25 p.m. departure from Horseshoe Bay

Additionally, sailings between Victoria and Vancouver that have been cancelled include:

• The 11 a.m. departure from Tsawwassen
• The 11 a.m. departure from Swartz Bay
• The 12 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen
• The 12 p.m. departure from Swartz Bay
• The 1 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen
• The 1 p.m. departure from Swartz Bay
• The 2 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen
• The 2 p.m. departure from Swartz Bay

Customers who have made bookings on these cancelled sailings will receive notifications from BC Ferries’ Customer Service Centre regarding alternate travel options. If no alternatives are available, affected customers will have their fees and fares refunded.

BC Ferries also cautioned that further cancellations may occur if weather conditions do not improve. For the most current information on sailing schedules, customers are encouraged to check the Current Conditions section on the BC Ferries website, follow the company on social media, or call 1-888-223-3779 for assistance.

Weather Forecast and Safety Measures

In their advisory, ECCC noted that the strong winds are expected to develop late Thursday afternoon and ease later in the evening. The agency emphasized that residents in the affected areas should remain alert and prepared for adverse weather conditions.

As BC Ferries continues to monitor the situation, the company remains committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers and staff. Travelers are advised to stay informed about any potential disruptions and plan their journeys accordingly.