BC Ferries has had a rough start to September, as it is experiencing new issues on one of its busiest routes.

The Queen of Cowichan is having a mechanical problem with its main engine, taking the vessel out of service and forcing cancellations between Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay.

On Tuesday, eight crossings had already been cancelled by early afternoon, with additional sailings Wednesday morning at risk as crews work to get the vessel back up and running.

This comes after four sailings were called off Monday night. At one point, Mounties in Nanaimo say a stranded passenger tried to block others from boarding, forcing police to step in and calm everyone down.