Close Call for B.C. Ferries’ Northern Adventure
B.C. Ferries has revealed details of a significant operational incident involving the Northern Adventure, which occurred on March 8 while navigating rough waters off the northern coast of British Columbia. The vessel, carrying 90 passengers and 55 crew members, narrowly avoided disaster when it veered into shallow waters, coming alarmingly close to a rock shoal. B.C. Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez described the event as “rare” but “concerning,” emphasizing the importance of safety in maritime operations.
Incident Overview and Immediate Response
The Northern Adventure, a 117-metre-long ferry, was en route between Prince Rupert and Bella Bella when it encountered severe weather conditions. To navigate safely, the crew made a deliberate course change. Unfortunately, this maneuver led the vessel into an area with a minimum navigational depth of about 10 metres, where it sailed over a shoal with only approximately one metre of clearance. B.C. Ferries confirmed that the ship was in about nine metres of water at its shallowest point.
In a press conference, Jimenez highlighted the crew’s quick actions to correct the vessel’s course, which prevented any injuries, damage, or environmental impact. Despite the successful outcome, he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “That doesn’t make it acceptable.” B.C. Ferries is currently conducting a comprehensive internal review to analyze the incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
