Queen of Burnaby set to sail again

February 20, 2012

After stormy weather delayed weekend sea trials by 24 hours, the Queen of Burnaby is set to return to the Comox to Powell River run on Tuesday morning.

"The Queen of Burnaby came out of drydock yesterday, we undertook some sea trials and they went really well, so she has been cleared to return to service," explained BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall.

"We are now getting the ship ready for our customers," said Marshall, after the vessel underwent major repairs in drydock, prompting the much smaller North Island Princess to temporarily ply the route as a backup vessel.   

Marshall says ferry travellers can expect full service levels, starting Tuesday.

"We are very glad that we're bringing the Queen of Burnaby back. It does mean that the North Island Princess will return to the Powell River-Texada Island run, and both routes will be on their regular schedule."

Daily charter flights were set up by BC Ferries between Comox and Powell River, although the flights were often only half to three-quarters full.

Marshall thanked BC Ferries travellers for all their patience. "We certainly did what we could to operate this service, and we also want to thank our employees for all their hard work."