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Ferry sailing lasts 54-hours

A ferry-load full of relieved passengers arrived in Skidegate early Wednesday morning (Dec. 11) after spending almost 54 hours on board the Queen of Prince Rupert.
The ferry had been scheduled to leave Rupert at 11 pm Sunday (Dec. 8). It arrived in Skidegate around 3:30 am Wednesday (Dec. 11).
The captain made two attempts to cross Hecate Strait on Monday and again on Tuesday, but was turned back by waves more than five metres high, said Ann Carpenter, BC Ferries spokesperson. The ferry finally left Tuesday evening.
Ms Carpenter confirmed that the ship's starboard stabilizer has been broken for the past few weeks, which could have been a factor in the delay. The stabilizer is a retractable fin which helps provide stability in rough weather so passengers will be more comfortable. It is not a safety device, she said. Fixing the stabilizer is a major operation which can't be done until the ship undergoes its annual refit in the spring, she added.
The rough weather also caused the cancellation of two Kwuna sailings on Wednesday morning.