Ferry traffic at one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest terminals is facing big delays in the wake of a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 1 in West Vancouver.
Just before midnight on Wednesday, a driver travelling the wrong way on the highway near Westport Road caused a head-on collision that claimed the lives of two people, West Vancouver police said in a statement.
The incident closed vehicle traffic on Highway 1 west of Exit 4 near Caulfeild Drive, blocking westbound traffic – which included BC Ferries staff on their way to work. The highway has since reopened.
“Our 6:30 a.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) departed 90 minutes behind schedule due to a vehicle accident on Highway 1 westbound, preventing our crew from reaching the Horseshoe Bay terminal,” BC Ferries said in a statement issued at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
“We expect the 9:05 a.m. departing Departure Bay, the 11:25 a.m. departing Horseshoe Bay, and the 1:40 p.m. departing Departure Bay to also be delayed,” BC Ferries said.
According to the company’s website, the Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Bowen Island (Snug Cove) ferries were also affected, with the first three sailings of the day facing delays of around 30 to 40 minutes.
“Earlier loading procedure is causing ongoing delay,” read a notice for the 9:05 a.m. vessel, which was marked as “full.”
All passengers heading to Horseshoe Bay today should expect delays due to the tragic accident, said Ceilidh Marlow, spokesperson for BC Ferries.
Travellers are encouraged to check conditions on the company's website.
Passengers with reservations are asked to arrive within their designated check-in time, Marlow said.
"If highway conditions prevent you from arriving on time, please contact our customer service for assistance. We'll do our best to accommodate you, though we have to be mindful of the high volume of travellers heading into the long weekend," she said.
"We extend our sympathies to all affected by the tragic collision on Highway 1. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause for travellers planning to take the ferry today, especially at the start of the long weekend," Marlow said.
"We appreciate your understanding and patience as we manage these unexpected challenges and get our customers where they need to be."
