Monday, November 23, 2009

Stormy weather keeps Northern Adventure in port

November's unpredictable weather has once again played a little havoc with the BC Ferries schedule in the Northwest.

The next sailing of the Northern Adventure for the Queen Charlotte Islands may not take place until 11 pm this evening, BC Ferries has posted a Service Notice on its website as of 1:20 pm, advising that due to severe weather, the vessel will not be departing until later tonight.

The Ferry service advises that updates will be posted to their website as warranted or customers can contact BC Ferries toll free 1-877-223-8778.

Update: Nov 23 4:00 PM

Further details on the circumstances surrounding the delayed sailing time of the Norther Adventure have been released, with BC Ferries confirming that the Northern Adventure had to return to Prince Rupert after encountering a strong storm in Hecate Strait.

The original plan to ride out the storm in the Strait was abandoned as the storm intensified and crew members and passengers suffered some minor injuries, not to mention some unnerving moments. Vehicles on the decks below suffered some minor damage as well, as the storm buffeted the vessel in the overnight hours.

In light of the changing weather and concern for safety the vessel's captain chose to return to Prince Rupert heading back to the North coast port at 8:30 am. Departure time for the Northern Adventure's next attempt to cross over to the Charlotte's is still listed as at 11 pm on Monday night.

Strong winds remain in the North Coast forecast to develop for Tuesday afternoon, with winds of 70 to 90 khm expected through to Tuesday evening.

Update Nov 23 5:00 PM: BC Ferries has advised that the 11 pm sailing of the Northern Adventure has been cancelled, the next port of call for BC Ferries will be Port Hardy, with a Tuesday departure of 6:30 pm from Prince Rupert scheduled.

CFTK TV 7 News-- Minor injuries, Damage in Rough ferry sailing
CKNW 980-- Stormy seas for "Northern Adventure"
CBC News-- Storm tosses BC ferry passengers

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