Incident Overview

In a dramatic turn of events, emergency services were summoned to the Spirit of British Columbia ferry on Saturday as multiple passengers reported sudden illness during its journey from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.

Response to the Incident

BC Ferries confirmed that six individuals fell ill in a stairwell on board, prompting a swift response from BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) and the RCMP. After assessing the situation, two of the affected passengers were transported to the hospital, while the remaining four were treated on the ferry. Thankfully, all passengers were accounted for, and there were no fatalities reported.

Post-Incident Actions

Upon docking at Swartz Bay, the ferry underwent an immediate cleaning and inspection before returning to service, ensuring the safety and comfort of subsequent travelers. Nonetheless, the incident resulted in delays affecting other sailings, with the 1 p.m. departure from Swartz Bay delayed by nearly an hour due to the medical emergency. BC Ferries issued a service notice indicating that further delays were expected for upcoming ferries, including the 3:00 p.m. from Tsawwassen and the 5:00 p.m. from Swartz Bay.

Health and Safety Reminder

While such incidents are rare, this serves as a reminder of the critical importance of health and safety protocols on public transport. Passengers are advised to remain vigilant regarding their health and report any symptoms immediately during travel.

Recommendations for Travelers

For ongoing updates on ferry services, travelers are encouraged to check the latest sailing information available through BC Ferries’ official channels. And for those with reservations, it’s essential to arrive during your designated check-in window to avoid additional delays.

Conclusion

Stay informed and safe while navigating the waters of British Columbia!