Two Passengers Overboard in Two Days: A Disturbing Trend on BC Ferries

A somber cloud has settled over the waters connecting Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, as BC Ferries grapples with an unsettling and tragic sequence of events: two separate 'person overboard' incidents reported within a mere 48 hours. This alarming pattern has not only mobilized extensive search and rescue efforts but has also prompted a stern warning from authorities regarding a "disturbing trend."

The first incident unfolded on Sunday, casting a shadow over what should have been a routine journey.

A passenger from the Queen of Cowichan vessel, en route to Horseshoe Bay, was reported to have gone overboard. Fortunately, swift and coordinated action from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and the Canadian Coast Guard led to a successful rescue. The individual was safely brought back from the cold waters and promptly transferred to Emergency Health Services for care, averting a potential tragedy.

However, the sense of relief was short-lived.

Just over 24 hours later, on Monday morning at approximately 9:15 a.m., history tragically repeated itself. This time, it was from the Spirit of British Columbia, sailing from Swartz Bay towards Tsawwassen. Another passenger was reported overboard, triggering an immediate and far more desperate emergency response.

The urgency of the situation was palpable.

The Canadian Coast Guard rapidly deployed three of its dedicated vessels, while the Spirit of British Columbia itself, along with the nearby Queen of New Westminster, joined the intensive search efforts. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed their involvement, stating unequivocally that they are treating these occurrences as a "disturbing trend," underscoring the gravity and unusual nature of two such events so close together.

Despite the comprehensive and prolonged search, involving multiple agencies and marine assets, the outcome of the Monday incident proved heartbreaking.

Reports from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) confirmed that, despite extensive efforts, the individual could not be located. This marks a tragic conclusion to the second incident, leaving a community in shock and grief.

BC Ferries has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigations into both incidents.

They reiterated their commitment to passenger and crew safety, expressing deep concern over these harrowing events and pledging support to the authorities as they seek to understand the circumstances surrounding each case.