Gabriola Island Ferry Service Resumes

SERVICE RESUMES BETWEEN GABRIOLA ISLAND

 AND NANAIMO HARBOUR

RCMP has cleared BC Ferries to resume service

BC Ferries’ regular vehicle and passenger service will resume at 5:30 pm between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour. RCMP has cleared BC Ferries to resume service.

Commercial divers have conducted a thorough underwater inspection of the hull of the Quinsam and the underwater terminal structures to ensure there is nothing impeding the safe operation of the vessel.

BC Ferries conducted inspections to the vessel, the Quinsam, as well as the Descanso Bay terminal and both have been declared safe for operational service. The ship sustained minor damage to some hydraulic lines, which have since been repaired. Minor damage was sustained to a hand railing on the trestle. The security gate at the head of the trestle was badly damaged and will need to be replaced. In the meantime, temporary barriers and operational procedures have been put in place to allow for the safe resumption of service.

Water taxi service will continue until the early evening in parallel with the regular ferry service.
Service may be interrupted on March 21 for diving operations as the RCMP and other officials continue their investigation into the incident.

Service was temporarily suspended today after a vehicle drove through a barrier gate at the top of the trestle and launched itself onto the vehicle deck of the ferry at high rate of speed and into the water at Descanso Bay on Gabriola Island.