More disruptions as BC Ferries vessel sidelined for Metro Vancouver-Sunshine Coast

VICTORIA — A BC Ferries vessel put back into service Sunday after a longer-than-expected refit was quickly pulled again, adding to disruptions on the busy Easter long weekend.

The ferries operator says in a statement that the Queen of Surrey was sidelined again after crews identified a mechanical issue with the vessel’s steering panel.

Several sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale were cancelled, although another ferry was later diverted and water taxis were brought in to take foot passengers for “complimentary service until full service has resumed.”

BC Ferries did not provide a timeline on when the Queen of Surrey might return to service.

The latest problem comes as service was already hobbled by a breakdown on the Spirit of Vancouver Island between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay entering the Easter long weekend, among the busiest travel times of the year for the service.

That vessel returned to service on Saturday on the route between Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 6, 2026.

The Canadian Press