For the second day in a row, a BC Ferries sailing was disrupted after a passenger went overboard.
BC Ferries confirmed that an individual went into the water during Thursday evening’s 5 p.m. sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen aboard the Spirit of British Columbia.
Crews immediately launched a rescue boat and located the individual, who was then transferred to a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. Their condition has not been released.
“This kind of situation is unusual, and having two incidents in such a short time frame is rare,” said Sonia Lowe, senior communications advisor with BC Ferries.
“All of our crew members undergo Transport Canada mandated training in marine safety and are trained to respond quickly in these types of situations. Regardless, these incidents are distressing for everyone involved, including passengers and crews.”
See also: BC Ferries vessel bound for Vancouver Island delayed after man goes overboard
Lowe added that intentionally going overboard—or throwing items into the water—creates life-threatening emergencies, disrupts service, and may result in consequences such as travel restrictions, fines, or legal action.
The back-to-back rescues follow Wednesday’s incident when a man jumped from the Spirit of Vancouver Island shortly after it departed the Tsawwassen terminal.
He was pulled from the water and taken to hospital with minor injuries. While rumours on social media suggested the individual may have entered the water to retrieve a hat, Delta Police clarified the person was experiencing a mental health crisis and said no further details would be provided.
BC Ferries says safety remains its top priority and praised crews for their swift actions in both rescues.
