It’s been two months too long for Thetis and Penelakut Island residents.
The regular ferry between the Islands and Chemainus, the MV Kuper, has been out of commission for two months on a quarter life refit and just returned this week.
“Thetis and Penelakut customers can’t wait to see her back in service,” noted Keith Rush, co-chair of the Route 20, Chemainus-Thetis-Penelakut, Ferry Advisory Committee.
The replacement vessel, the MV Kahloke, had a rough start on Oct. 9, Rush added, when some rope got tangled in one of the Right Angle Drives. It was out of service for more than 24 hours as BC Ferries scrambled to get a new RAD from the Lower Mainland.
“BC Ferries put on water taxis to return passengers to Thetis and Penelakut Islands,” Rush noted. “Vehicles had to wait until the following day. The 25-car Kahloke is insufficient at times of heavy traffic compared to the 32-car Kuper.”
But that’s all past now and residents are looking forward to smooth sailing in December.