BC Ferries resumes Powell River service

BC Ferries service between Powell River and the Sunshine Coast has resumed following yesterday's breakdown.

The ferry was fixed and returned to service late Thursday evening in time to complete one run.

SpokeswomanDeborah Marshall said a pump onthe aging North Island Princess broke down shortly after its first return service run on Friday. Because of weather conditions BC Ferries could not fly a replacement pump up to fix the vessel, so it had to be transported by truck.

The breakdown and delays caused a sharp reaction from area residents who were left without a ferry connection for much of the day.

Replacing the replacements

The vessel had just been put on the route connecting Saltery Bay and Earl's Cove in order to replace another ferry that had been moved to replace the broken down Queen of Burnabyon the Powell River to Comox route.

The Queen of Burnaby was pulled from service on the Comox-Powell River route to repair a propeller hub. That repair is expected to take until Jan. 31 to complete.

During this period, the MV Island Sky will operate on a modified schedule, providing service between Comox, Texada Island and Powell River, while the North Island Princess operates on the Saltery Bay-Earls Cove route.

BC Ferries says the Queen of Burnaby will be replaced with a brand-new ship by the end of the year.

The new vessel is one of three being built in Poland that will be able to run on both diesel and LNG. The other two vessels will both be operating on the Southern Gulf Island-Tsawwassen route.