BC Ferries vessel breaks down during sailing to Horseshoe Bay

Passengers aboard the Queen of Coquitlam were stranded for over three hours Monday after the BC Ferries vessel broke down due to a pitch control issue. The ship was just minutes from the dock when it lost propulsion, leading to concerns among travelers about missed flights and appointments. In response to the situation, BC Ferries arranged for three water taxis to transport passengers while repairs were conducted. The breakdown coincided with increased traffic at the Horseshoe Bay Terminal, which experienced significant delays earlier in the holiday weekend. Passengers like Rohana Rezel noted the frustration of being so close to the terminal yet unable to reach it.

BC Ferries communicated that they were working on the problem and offered food vouchers to those on board. The aging fleet, with both vessels nearing 50 years of age, underscores the necessity for a fleet renewal strategy to ensure reliability. This incident raises questions about BC Ferries' preparedness for high traffic volumes during busy travel periods.