A damaged propellor hub on the Queen of Burnaby will again force the aging vessel into dry dock for repairs as BC Ferries makes adjustments to its Powell River schedules.
It’s the third time this year that the vessel has been taken out for problems with its propellors, said Deborah Marshall, BC Ferries spokesperson.
“It’s been different blades, but a similar problem and you can attribute it to the age of the vessel,” she said. “We did send divers down and unfortunately they can’t fix it underwater.”
Queen of Burnaby will be removed from service on Comox-Powell River route from January 6 until the end of the month. During this time, the MV Island Sky will operate on a modified schedule, providing service between Comox, Texada Island and Powell River. The North Island Princess will move over to the Saltery Bay-Earls Cove route on a modified schedule.
BC Ferries advised in a media release the first daily sailing times are earlier than the current schedules and customers should check BC Ferries’ website for the time of sailings during the period.
A water taxi service will operate between Texada Island and the government dock next to Westview terminal. It will operate on the regularly published sailing times for the Texada-Powell River route.
“BC Ferries apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the changes and thanks customers for their patience while the critical maintenance is being carried out,” said Marshall.
Modified schedules can be found at bcferries.com
