BC Ferries cancelled sailings on Monday due to staffing shortage

BC Ferries had to cancel a number of sailings Monday because of a staff shortage.

As a result, sailings Monday evening from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay reached capacity.

Deborah Marshall speaks for BC Ferries and says, “Unfortunately, we have had to cancel a couple of sailings on our Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay run today. Queen of New Westminster, we have had to cancel the 4 p.m. sailing out of Tsawwassen and as well as the 8 p.m. sailing out of Tsawwassen due to crewing issues.”

Marshall refused to say whether any more cancellations are expected this week.

“Occasionally, it does happen that we aren’t able to fully staff up our examples and we do apologize to our customers this evening for any inconvenience,” she added.

Related Article: BC Ferries cancellations expected this summer amid staffing shortage

BC Ferries has previously warned this summer’s sailing season is expected to be impacted by low staffing levels.

This drop-in staffing has been felt throughout the recent fall and winter season, but BC Ferries says its impact may be more significant in the next couple of months since restrictions have been easing.

An unexpected number of retirements has impacted staffing and — like many other sectors — the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role.

To make up for this shortage, BC Ferries says recruitment efforts are underway to fill in the gaps quickly.