BC Ferries cancels sailings on northern routes due to COVID illnesses

BC Ferries has cancelled multiple sailings on north coast routes, including Haida Gwaii, due to crew illness from COVID-19.

Sailings on the Northern Adventure are affected until at least 12:30 a.m. on April 29.

According to the corporation, customers affected by the cancellations will be contacted and reimbursed. While passenger ferries have been scrapped for this week, BC Ferries notes a vessel delivered supplies and cargo to the Haida Gwaii area Tuesday.

We require a specific number of crew members on board to ensure the safety of our passengers and to comply with Transport Canada regulations. Check our #TravelAdvisory & follow us on Twitter @BCFerries for the latest updates.

Travel Advisory: https://t.co/Vkzn3s6ENy (2/3)

— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) April 27, 2022

BC Ferries says it’s required to have a “specific number of crew members on board to ensure the safety of our passengers and to comply with Transport Canada regulations.” Due to illness, it is unable to guarantee that level of staffing.

The sailings affect some smaller communities, with BC Ferries saying it’s working to charter flights for customers between Prince Rupert and Skidegate, with priority placed on customers previously booked for medical-related travel.

COVID-19 illness is only adding to staffing challenges at BC Ferries. The corporation has previously said it’s also dealing with an unexpected number of retirements.

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Related articles: 

• BC Ferries cancellations expected this summer amid staffing shortage

• All BC Ferries employees now must be vaccinated against COVID

• Weather blamed for spike in BC Ferries cancellations

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“The impact of vaccination policies and difficulties recruiting international candidates due to COVID-19, as well as the 25-year global shortage of professional mariners are expected to pose ongoing challenges to hiring sufficient employees for what is expected to be a busier than usual peak summer season,” a statement reads.

In an effort to avoid delays and reduce pressure, passengers are asked to consider travelling during off-peak hours, if possible, to travel as a foot passenger rather than drive on, book in advance, arrive early, and check for updates before heading out for a sailing.

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-With files from Nikitha Martins and Azadeh Kojouri