Tachek ferry makes final voyage after 57 years
BC Ferries' oldest hybrid vessel retires Friday with Island Nagalis taking over Quadra-Cortes route, boosting capacity significantly.
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One of BC Ferries' oldest vessels is making its final sailing on Friday, June 26, after nearly 60 years on the water. The Tachek, built in 1969, will journey one last time between Whaletown on Cortes Island and Heriot Bay on Quadra Island.
The Island Nagalis is replacing the Tachek on the route, a move that substantially increases capacity. Vehicle capacity will grow from 26 vehicles to 47, while passenger and crew capacity will expand from 150 people to 399.
The Tachek was BC Ferries' first hybrid ferry, equipped with conventional diesel engines and a 200 kW-hr battery bank. The Island Nagalis also uses battery-equipped hybrid-electric technology designed to reduce emissions and support quieter operations. The new vessel offers larger indoor passenger lounges, more outdoor seating, a heated solarium, a pet area, and a stair lift.
"There are no anticipated service disruptions with this vessel change; however, timing remains subject to operational requirements," BC Ferries said in a service notice.
The retirement comes as BC Ferries continues modernizing its fleet. The company recently took delivery of the Island xwsaĺux̌ul, the first of four new additional Island Class vessels expected to join the fleet over the next year. If sea trials and regulatory approvals proceed as planned, that vessel is expected to enter service later in summer 2026 on the Nanaimo Harbour to Gabriola Island route.
