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Ferry crews rescued two fishermen in Tsawassen
Crews of B.C. Ferries rescued two people from the water after a fishing vessel sank near the Tsawwassen terminal in British Columbia on Sep 13. Both fishermen were brought ashore, handed over to BC Emergency Health Services, and transported to the hospital in stable condition. The response involved crews from the both the 'Coastal Renaissance' and the 'Spirit of British Columbia', after the 'Coastal Renaissance' issued a "person overboard" alert. The incident was initially reported as a marine rescue involving two people. After the alarm sounded, the 'Spirit of British Columbia' activated its emergency procedures, sounded three long blasts on the ship's whistle, and launched its rescue boat. Deckhands Eric and Abhishek were among the first responders to arrive at the scene, where they found the two people in the water. Both were wearing life jackets, but one of the individuals was trapped in a line attached to a crab trap. The person was largely submerged, with the line wrapped around his chest and arms, and only the head remained above water. The crew determined that the individual could not be safely brought aboard while still entangled. Consequently, Eric and Abhishek cut the fishing line, making four separate cuts before freeing the person and moving them to the rescue boat. BC Ferries stated that the incident demonstrated the importance of crew training, coordination, and emergency procedures during rapidly unfolding maritime incidents. The BC Ferry and Marine Workers' Union also highlighted the actions of the ferry crews, noting that their response helped rescue the two boaters.
Six passengers became ill in a stairwell and required medical attention
Emergency services were called onboard the 'Spirit of British Columbia' to provide medical attention to multiple passengers on a ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen on March 22, 2025. Six passengers became ill in a stairwell and required medical attention. The BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) and RCMP responded and assisted the six. Two of the passengers were transported to hospital and the others received care onboard. The vessel docked in Swartz Bay and was cleared and cleaned and has since resumed service. The 1 p.m. Swartz Bay sailing to Tsawwassen was delayed by 55 minutes as a consequence. Passengers had to expect a delay with the 3:00 p.m. departing Tsawwassen, the 5:00 p.m. departing Swartz Bay, as well as the 7:00 p.m. departing Tsawwassen too.
Youth set fire in a washroom
A male youth was arrested after a fire was reported in a washroom on deck six of the 'Spirit of British Columbia' on Oct 10, 2023, on its 7 p.m. sailing. After the fire alarm sounded, a public announcement was made for crew to report to muster stations. Travellers on passenger decks were sent to muster stations as well. The crew checked on passengers in the vehicles, initially telling them to stay where they were but later telling them to leave and go up to deck six. They were about half-way there when another announcement told them to return to their vehicles. The announcer apologized to travellers for the delay in leaving the ferry. Police were called by B.C. Ferries about 8:40 p.m. who reported that a fire had been set in one of the washrooms, and arrived as the ferry was pulling into Swartz Bay. They searched for and arrested a youth of no fixed address who matched the description they were given. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a future date on a charge of mischief. The incident resulted in the 9 p.m. sailing leaving Swartz Bay about 45 minutes late.
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