Passengers stranded four hours at sea after propeller trouble

The "Queen of Cotlicam" suffered a mechanical issue shortly after she left Duke Point in Nanaimo on Nov 13, 2017, around 5:15 a.m. A tug was called as the propellers weren't working any longer and helped the ferry dock back at the Departure Bay terminal. The trip ended up taking nearly four hours. A ferry trip from Duke Point to Tsawwassen normally lasts about two hours. The ferry recently underwent repairs, but was believed to be in working condition. There was an issue with the controllable pitch propeller. Engineers were sent to address the problem, and Marshall said the vessel was taken for sea trials and returned to service by 2 p.m. The passengers were refunded and provided free breakfast and beverages for their trouble.