BC Ferries’ Island Discovery ferry has been laid-up due to a mechanical failure and the ferry company is awaiting parts to rectify the problem.
Deborah Marshall, executive director, public affairs for BC Ferries, said the company had brought Quadra Queen II to cover the Texada Island/Powell River route but the ferry was having a challenge with the dock fit at Westview Terminal.
Interviewed at 11 am on July 16, Marshall said crews were seeing if they could find a way to make the vessel fit into the dock safely.
Marshall said the water taxi was still in service and BC Ferries had set up a modified schedule with the Salish Eagle ferry, running between Powell River and Comox, with stops on Texada Island, providing two runs on July 16. A modified schedule was posted on the BC Ferries website.
Marshall said crews on Island Discovery tried to make temporary repairs but they didn’t work, so BC Ferries was sourcing replacement parts. She said they should arrive on July 16, so it’s just a matter of how quickly BC Ferries can get its hands on the replacement parts, get them to Texada Island and get them installed.
“Apparently, once they have the part, it’s not a long fix,” she added.
For up to date information, customers can go to the BC Ferries current conditions webpage at bcferries.com or call toll-free at 1.888.223.3779.
