Near Miss for B.C. Ferries Vessel in Rough Seas
B.C. Ferries has disclosed details of a significant operational incident involving the Northern Adventure, a ferry navigating challenging weather conditions off the northern coast of British Columbia. The vessel, carrying 90 passengers and 55 crew members, narrowly avoided disaster on March 8 when it sailed perilously close to a rock shoal, with only about a meter of clearance. B.C. Ferries’ CEO, Nicolas Jimenez, described the event as “rare” yet “concerning,” emphasizing the importance of safety in maritime operations.
Incident Overview and Response
On March 8, the Northern Adventure, a 117-meter-long ferry, was en route between Prince Rupert and Bella Bella when it encountered severe weather. To navigate around the adverse conditions, the crew made a deliberate course change. Unfortunately, this maneuver led the vessel into shallower waters near Milbanke Sound, where it sailed over a shoal with a depth of approximately nine meters, just below the required minimum of ten meters for safe navigation.
In a press conference, Jimenez highlighted the crew’s prompt actions to correct the vessel’s course and avert a potential accident. Fortunately, there were no injuries, damage to the vessel, or environmental impact resulting from the incident. However, Jimenez acknowledged that the close call was unacceptable and warranted a thorough investigation. B.C. Ferries has initiated a comprehensive internal review to analyze the incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Reflections on Safety and Historical Context
This incident comes two decades after the tragic sinking of the Queen of the North, which ran aground on March 22, 2006, resulting in the presumed drowning of two passengers. Jimenez noted that the lessons learned from that disaster have led to the establishment of an industry-leading safety program at B.C. Ferries. He reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew, stating that safety must remain the foundation of all operations.
Following the incident, B.C. Ferries promptly reported the matter to Transport Canada and submitted a detailed report to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). While the TSB confirmed that there were no reported incidents involving the Northern Adventure on the day of the near miss, they noted that such occurrences are not classified as mandatory reportable incidents. The results of B.C. Ferries’ internal review are expected to be released in the coming weeks, as the company continues to prioritize safety in its operations.
