Port authority says false letter sent to cruise operators meant to ‘destroy’ local industry Apr 4, 2019 6:13 PM

NANAIMO — The local cruise industry is facing a dismal year and the Port of Nanaimo says intentional sabotage is to blame.

Acting Port board chair Donna Hais said someone sent an anonymous letter to major players in the cruise industry alleging Nanaimo’s dock was unsafe and ships should avoid it altogether. Hais said they were made aware of the letter by industry colleagues roughly 16 months ago.

“It’s a devastating situation,” Hais told NanaimoNewsNOW. “That seriously hurt our reputation in a very small industry and we’ve had to fight hard to come back.”

Hais said several cruise operators cancelled visits in 2018 and 2019, resulting in just three ships on the books for this year and five visits in 2018.