A passenger of a ferry was rescued on Wednesday after going overboard while the vessel was approaching the Tsawwassen terminal.
British Columbia Ferry, a company that provides the ferry services, said that the incident occurred during the 7:45 am (local time) sailing from Duke Point near Nanaimo. Emergency protocols were immediately activated, and the individual was brought ashore and tended to by BC emergency health services. It occurred at Queen of Alberni ferry, part of BC Ferry, which provides regular ferry service between Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Nanaimo (Duke Point).
The condition of the passenger has not been disclosed as of yet.
The incident resulted in the cancellation of two sailings on the Duke Point-Tsawwassen route: the 10:15 am (local time) sailing from Tsawwassen and the 12:45 pm (local time) sailing from Duke Point.
Alternative travel arrangements were made available, including service via the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay route in Nanaimo. BC Ferries spokesperson Shiryn Sayani stated that affected passengers would be contacted by the customer service center to rebook or confirm cancellations.
“Incidents like this are rare, and our crews are trained to respond swiftly and effectively to ensure the safety of all individuals onboard,” Sayani said in a statement, according to Times Colonist. She added that the situation involved coordination with police, the Coast Guard, emergency health services, and other authorities.
Delta Police spokesperson Insp James Sandberg said that the event was classified as a mental health incident, and the individual involved was transported to the hospital. Police did not provide further details.
As per the local media, BC Ferries resumed normal operations with the 12:45 pm (local time) departure from Tsawwassen, and the company thanked customers for their patience during the disruption.
