National

Mechanical issues slow BC Ferries service

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Jun, 2022 04:10 PM

VICTORIA - BC Ferries says an engine problem on a major vessel travelling between Vancouver Island and the mainland has resulted in service cancellations between Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay.

Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall says the Queen of Alberni will be out of service until Saturday to allow for repairs.

A travel advisory posted on BC Ferries' website says a total of eight sailings out of either Departure or Horseshoe Bay are cancelled Thursday, but other sailings from both terminals will continue.

The engine issue comes at the start of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and BC Ferries is asking customers to check the corporation's website for updates.

Marshall says customers should consider travelling as walk-on passengers or take an alternate ferry route to their destination.

Sailings on some routes have been cancelled in recent weeks due to staffing shortages, with BC Ferries saying it could not find replacement crews.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

On December 2, 2021 a Richmond RCMP frontline officer was attempting to arrest a man for an alleged theft when the man allegedly assaulted the officer. During the attempted arrest, a struggle on the ground ensued. Prior to additional officers arriving, the man was able to break free and run from the area on foot.

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Officers found 27 teenagers crammed inside a party bus with a dance floor. The bus had been hired to take the teens downtown for a 17-year-old’s birthday party. VPD officers are now recommending 27 counts of failing to provide a chaperone for passengers under 19, allowing open liquor in a vehicle, and operating with too many passengers.

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

The robbery occurred around 6 p.m. on December 3, as holiday shoppers were visiting the Dunsmuir Street retailer. The suspect, who was masked, entered the store and deployed a cloud of bear spray, then walked over to a display rack and stole a $1,800 purse, before exiting the store and walking east on Dunsmuir to Seymour Street.

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa

The federal government is extending, and slightly expanding, a travel exemption for Canadians trying to return home from South Africa. Earlier this month, the government lifted a requirement for Canadian travellers from South Africa to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result in a third country before coming to Canada.

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa

Some universities cancel in-person exams

The University of Victoria in British Columbia will not be holding any further in-person exams this month. The school said its instructors have been asked to offer alternative exams online or in another format.

Some universities cancel in-person exams

When will the pandemic end? Tam is optimistic

Canada is expecting a potentially massive surge in cases in the coming weeks, driven by the new Omicron variant already spreading through communities, said Dr. Theresa Tam. While COVID-19 might be with us for many years to come, Tam is optimistic the pandemic could end in the foreseeable future.