Eighty-five passengers that were stranded for hours off Swartz Bay after the Salish Raven broke down have been brought ashore.
At around 10 a.m., passengers and crews were stranded off the terminal after the vessel experienced a problem with one of its bow thrusters. Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs with BC Ferries, said both thrusters are needed to operate the ferry.
The view from the Salish Raven stranded off Swartz Bay on Nov. 7, 2019. (Fiona Nay)
At around 1 p.m., a tugboat arrived at the drifting ferry then brought it ashore at around 1:30 p.m.
First few vehicles unload from the Salish Raven after a mechanical issue left the boat drifting at sea with 85 passengers on board for more than 4 hours. @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/k7o5jlKifP
— April Lawrence (@AprilCHEK) November 7, 2019
The following sailings were cancelled earlier in the day:
- 10:10 a.m. departing Swartz Bay
- 11:15 a.m. departing Village Bay
- 11:50 a.m. departing Otter Bay
Passengers who were onboard told CHEK they left Pender Island at 9:10 a.m. Complimentary food and beverages were provided to the stranded passengers.
Marshall confirmed the Coastal Celebration switched berths at Swartz Bay so the Salish Raven could dock.
An additional round trip between Swartz Bay and Otter Bay via the MV Mayne Queen was added to accommodate travellers stuck at the terminals. It will leave Swartz Bay at 1:30 p.m. then leave Otter Bay on Pender Island at 2:15 p.m.
Lisa Prat, one of the passengers on board, says she is disappointed as she was on her way to Victoria for a specialist appointment.
The Salish Raven joined the BC Ferries fleet in 2017. It was built in Poland.
CHEK News
