B.C. Ferries expecting Coastal Celebration back in service Friday

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In related news, the ferry service says it is experiencing a backlog processing refund requests, and is asking for patience from customers

Published Jul 26, 2023  •  1 minute read

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B.C. Ferries said Wednesday it expects to have the Coastal Celebration back in service on Friday.

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The vessel that usually serves the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route was forced into dry dock on Monday to repair an ineffective blade seal. Inspections showed the blade had been installed correctly but the seal material was unsound.

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The ferry is getting all four blade seals replaced before being refloated for sea trials on Thursday. Marine engineers from both B.C. Ferries and the supplier of the propulsion unit will work through the night to complete the work.

Travellers with bookings on Friday are advised to arrive as planned, and will be contacted directly by B.C. Ferries customer service if there are any changes. Customers should expect limited food service on the first day due to the quick turnaround.

The Coastal Celebration has eight sailings a day between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. It carries 310 vehicles and up to 1,604 passengers and crew.

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The vessel began having issues with the blade seals as early as the Canada Day weekend, when it was stuck in dry dock during its annual refit past its scheduled return.

For sailing information, check conditions at bcferries.com or follow the ferry service on Twitter.

Backlog for refund requests

In somewhat related news, B.C. Ferries advised customers Wednesday that there is a backlog in getting refunds and requests for compensation to customers hit by cancelled sailings.

The notice said the ferry service is “experiencing high volume of compensation and refund requests, so responses may take longer than usual.”

Refunds are usually processed in one or two weeks, said B.C. Ferries, but requests that have come in recently could be delayed for four to six weeks.

The corporation said it is hiring staff and working to improve how payments are processed.

jruttle@postmedia.com

Vaughn Palmer: B.C. Ferries is running out of excuses

Coastal Celebration forced out of service for repairs

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