Three men arrested for refusing to wear masks on BC Ferries sailing to Vancouver Island

Three men arrested for refusing to wear masks on BC Ferries sailing to Vancouver Island
Submitted.
The incident occurred on Sept. 24 during the 7 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.

Three men from the Lower Mainland were arrested after they allegedly refused to wear masks and threatened passengers on board a BC Ferries vessel bound for Vancouver Island.

The incident occurred on Sept. 24 during the 7 p.m. sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.

Sidney-North Saanich RCMP says officers were alerted by ferry staff that the three men, who were from the Lower Mainland, were causing a disturbance on board by not wearing masks.

Police also described the men as being aggressive towards other passengers, trying to fight individuals who confronted them about not following the mask mandate.

One passenger informed CHEK News that he witnessed one of the three men attempt to lunge at another passenger as well.

During the incident, passengers were informed by BC Ferries staff in order to not engage with the three men as it was aggravating the incident.

In a video sent to CHEK, the men could be seen sitting near the front of the vessel surrounded by BC Ferries crew members and security while the ship continued its voyage to Swartz Bay.

Sidney-North Saanich RCMP officers were waiting at the Vancouver Island terminal upon arrival in order to board the ship and arrest the trio.

READ MORE: BC Ferries sailing forced to turn around due to belligerent anti-masker

The men were detained at the Sidney RCMP detachment and released pending a court date in December.

Sidney-North Saanich RCMP spokesman Cpl. Andres Sanchez said police are still investigating to determine whether further charges might be warranted in regards to threats uttered at passengers.

He added that there has been a notable rise in recent calls regarding people refusing to wear masks in areas where it is required.

“What I can say is that we certainly have received more calls of late of individuals who are refusing to wear masks and are causing scenes at various locations,” said Sanchez.

He asked the public that if they encounter similar situations, “don’t escalate the situation or engage them, and call local RCMP or police for help.”

As of Aug. 25, BC Ferries once again is requiring passengers 12 and older wear masks in all indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status, unless they are inside a vehicle or consuming food or drinks in a designated area.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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