Multiple ferry sailings cancelled as windstorm batters B.C.'s South Coast

Strong winds forced the cancellation of several ferry sailings on Christmas Day, upending many passengers' holiday travel plans.

Strong winds forced the cancellation of several ferry sailings on Christmas Day, upending many passengers' holiday travel plans.

Departures from Swartz Bay, Tsawwassen, Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, among others, were called off over "adverse weather conditions in the Strait of Georgia," according to BC Ferries service notices issued Monday afternoon.

"The safety of our passengers and crew is of primary importance to us. We will continue to monitor this weather system and share further information as it becomes available," the company wrote.

The 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. sailings from Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen were cancelled, meaning the 5 p.m. sailings from each terminal were the final departures on the holiday.

Between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay, the 8:05 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 10:10 p.m. sailings were cancelled due to the wind. Gulf Island sailings were also impacted. 

BC Ferries said staff would be contacting customers with reservations on any of the cancelled sailings to offer refunds.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a series of wind and rainfall warnings Monday due to a "strong weather system" over the province's coastal areas.