BC Ferries cancels some Friday sailings over staff shortage

At least two sailings on BC Ferries have been cancelled, and another two are at risk of being scrapped, because of staffing shortages Friday.

The company had to drop its 7:40 a.m. sailing from Departure Bay, as well as its 10 a.m. departure from Horseshoe Bay on the Queen of Alberni.

In a notice posted online, BC Ferries says its 12:25 p.m. from Departure Bay and the 2:45 p.m. leaving Horseshoe Bay “are also at risk of cancellation if a crew member is unable to be sourced.”

“We require a specific number of crew members on board the vessel to ensure the safety of our passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency and to comply with Transport Canada regulations,” BC Ferries writes in its notice.

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This is just the latest in recent cancellations made by the ferry service in recent months, mainly because of staffing issues but also due to mechanical issues.

BC Ferries says customers on cancelled sailings will be contacted by customer service.