BC Ferries breakdowns frustrate Texada Island residents

The oldest ship in BC Ferries' fleet is struggling to complete its duties, frustrating people who rely on the route between Texada Island and Powell River on the Sunshine Coast.

The North Island Princess has had several mechanical problems, and last week a tug boat was brought in to follow the ferry around on its 35-minute crossing just in case.

"We really rely on that ferry as our highway, as our lifeline, to the outside world," said Sandy McCormick, a Texada resident who sits on the ferry advisory committee.

"You know we would like to see ... backup systems brought into place so that if she does break down again, there will be a water taxi, there will be alternative service."

BC Ferries plans to replace the North Island Princess in 2019, and in the meantime engineers are doing what they can, said spokeswoman Deborah Marshall.

"We pride ourselves on mechanical reliability and unfortunately we have had a few incidents with this vessel."