A problem-plagued B.C. ferry needs a major engine overhaul and will be taken out of service for four weeks beginning in mid-November.
Right now, the Spirit of B.C. is only operating on three of its four engines on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route between the mainland and Vancouver Island.
The company says the ship can maintain its schedule on three engines except during certain tides in Active Pass, when for safety reasons the ferry will take a longer route that will add 45 minutes to the trip.
The narrow channel of Active Pass has some of the strongest currents on B.C.'s south coast, and has been identified as a high risk area for sailings.
The ship will be in service during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Replacement coming
The company says the Queen of Vancouver will be brought in to replace the Spirit of B.C. during the engine refit.
The replacement ship accommodates 338 vehicles - 132 less than the Spirit of B.C. - but a B.C. Ferries spokesperson insists it won't be a problem because of an overall fall slowdown in vehicle traffic.
Engine problems with the Spirit of B.C. surfaced last week, causing sailing cancellations and delays.
Last month, the ship had to be taken out of service on the busy Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route to fix a damaged propeller.
Gem of the fleet
The Spirit of British Columbia and her sister-ship, the Spirit of Vancouver Island, are the largest in B.C. Ferries fleet. The 15-year-old ship measures 167 metres in length and sails regularly between Tsawwassen and
For detailed schedule information, go to the B.C. Ferries website or call 1-888-223-3779.
