Send this page to someone via email

A stuck semi-truck on a Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal ramp has caused multiple sailings to be cancelled today.

Trips between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay in Nanaimo are largely cancelled or delayed due to the incident that occurred Sunday morning ahead of the Queen of Oak Bay’s 6:20 a.m. sailing out of Horseshoe Bay.

It happened because a truck loaded with hay tried to board the sailing while the tide was extremely low.

The crossing was cancelled and BC Ferries originally hoped crews would be able to remove the semi-truck in time for the ship’s 10:40 a.m. sailing.

However, that crossing was also cancelled, along with the 4:20 p.m. from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay.

In addition, five vehicles were stuck inside the Queen of Oak Bay and could not pass around the semi-truck. People inside those vehicles were given taxi vouchers, and have been asked to return once the semi-truck is towed away.

Story continues below advertisement

Sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale are also affected, as the Queen of Coquitlam from that route is being rerouted to serve Nanaimo.

As a result, the 6:30 p.m. crossing from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and 7:30 p.m. from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay have been cancelled.

The ferries that are leaving Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay are now facing lengthy delays of two sailing waits, as of a 12:45 p.m. notice from BC Ferries.

Crews hope to have all schedules back to normal by 7 p.m. this evening as they are currently waiting for the tide rise in order to remove the semi-truck.

Images of the stuck truck circulated on social media Sunday as passengers vented their frustrations.