BCFerries

Maynard Johnny Jr.’s design was selected out of 36 submissions by a committee of Indigenous artist peers and BC Ferries representatives.

The vessel, temporarily named Island 6, transited the Panama Canal on Nov. 18 — it departed a Romanian shipyard in October, according to a release from BC Ferries.

To commemorate Remembrance Day and to thank retired and active military personnel, BC Transit, BC Ferries and TransLink will offer free fares for veterans on Nov. 11.

The cancellations came as Environment Canada forecast 70 km/h winds — gusting up to 90 km/h in the area.

BC Ferries said it expects a very busy Thanksgiving long weekend, particularly on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route, without the Spirit of Vancouver Island.

BC Ferries was forced to cancel eight sailings today due a mechanical problem with one of its vessels.

About one-third of the voyage from Romania was completed by using battery power with the main engines stopped, according to BC Ferries.

The vessels are named to honour and recognize the Coast Salish as the original mariners of the Salish Sea.

The vessel will enter service next year and will help provide two-ship service on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route.

The sailings will transport commercial vehicles and a limited number of regular passengers.