More troubles for BC Ferries as contaminated engine oil has sidelined the Northern Adventure in Bella Bella.
When engine room workers on the ferry noticed that the vessel was having problems with its engine oil they did a lube oil changeover, only to discover that they did not have enough on hand to run the vessel to manufacturers specifications.
This means that until they can purify the remaining oil on board, or fly in or transport the necessary replacement fluid to the vessel, it will remain docked in Bella Bella. That leaves the vessels 56 passengers looking to other means of transportation to complete their journey and stopping the Northern Adventures schedule in its tracks.
The Ferry Corporation is offering to pay for flights for the 56 to either Port Hardy or Prince Rupert, there is no timetable yet for resumption of service.
The Northern Adventure was brought into service in March of 2007 and then abruptly pulled from the schedule due to a number of on board problems, that resulted in a ten day refit.
With the current disruption in service BC Ferries is trying to contact those with reservations for upcoming sailings, though at the moment they have no idea when the vessel will be back on schedule on the North Coast.
Victoria Times Colonist--Northern Adventure delayed for emergency oil change
Victoria Times Colonist--Stranded ferry passengers to be airlifted
BC Ferries website--Sailing delay for Queen Charlotte Islands
BC Ferries website--Sailing delay for Inside Passage
BC Ferries website--Press release on status of Northern Adventure January 3, 2008
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