BC Ferries details repairs to major vessel, Thanksgiving preparations

BC Ferries is detailing why exactly it is being forced to pull another vessel from a major route after the Thanksgiving long weekend.

The company’s vice president, Brian Anderson, says the Spirit of Vancouver Island — which is a key vessel on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route — has a crack in its ballast tank.

He says the boat will be pulled for repairs after the busy long weekend.

“There has been an opening come up in dry dock space which is generally very difficult to obtain this time of year,” Anderson explained.

“So we have an opportunity to take advantage of a piece of real estate there and we will be taking the vessel out of service for nine days from the evening of Oct. 10 through to Oct. 18.”

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Stephen Jones, BC Ferries’ executive director of engineering, says the vessel has already undergone some temporary repairs through underwater welding to keep it running for the time being.

“The quality of weld you get when you weld underwater is different to that when you actually have the vessel out and you can do the weld in a dry dock,” he said.

“For a permanent repair, we’re going to take the vessel out and we’re going to repair that structure in the dry dock.”

Once the boat is out of commission, it will mean the key Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route will be down to just two vessels, with the Coastal Celebration still receiving repairs after being pulled earlier this month.

Anderson says anyone who has reserved a spot on affected sailings will be rebooked.

High foot traffic expected over Thanksgiving

BC Ferries says approximately 380,000 passengers and 175,000 vehicles are expected to travel across 3,000 sailings between Oct. 5 and Oct. 10 for the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Anderson notes foot traffic in particular is expected to be busy.

“Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a very busy period for us, especially for foot passengers who are travelling the system. It’s the first opportunity to head back from school for many,” he said.

The corporation is urging anyone planning to travel for the long weekend to consider making a reservation, especially if they have a vehicle, adding without a booking should consider leaving their cars behind.

During the peak times, the company says all ticket booths at major terminals will be open to help keep people moving. It warns there may be sailing waits during the busiest travel times.

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With files from Cole Schisler and Martin MacMahon