Queen of Surrey towed to Horseshoe Bay after propeller-shaft issue

BC Ferries towed the Queen of Surrey to Horseshoe Bay after the vessel developed a propeller-shaft issue during its 4:40 p.m. sailing from Langdale.

The company said engineering teams were investigating and that the vessel’s remaining sailings for the day were at risk of cancellation.

A passenger who asked not to be identified described waiting on the immobilized ferry as tugboats arrived. Photos showed passengers gathered on the vehicle deck. BC Ferries also took route tracking offline for a time, citing a technical issue.

The passenger said the ferry neared the terminal shortly before 7:30 p.m. and was pushed into port backwards. Staff told passengers that RVs and other large vehicles would need to reverse down the ramp. The passenger said vehicles began disembarking shortly before 8 p.m.; tea, coffee and hot chocolate were provided during the wait.