A passenger fell overboard from a B.C. Ferries vessel traveling from Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island on Wednesday. The incident occurred during the 1 p.m. voyage from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, shortly after the Spirit of Vancouver Island departed the terminal. The Queen of New Westminster ferry assisted in the rescue operation.
The individual was successfully rescued by the crew and was reported to be in stable condition after the incident. The reason for the person going overboard was not disclosed, but they were taken to the hospital by paramedics.
Eyewitness Jared Fitschen described witnessing the rescue, estimating it took approximately 20 to 30 minutes. He recounted hearing an alert over the intercom about a man overboard shortly after the departure. Fitschen expressed surprise at the speed and efficiency of the crew’s response, noting it was his first time witnessing a rescue on a B.C. Ferries vessel despite being a frequent passenger for many years.
The ferry service acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and thanked passengers for their cooperation. They anticipated a delay of about an hour on the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route due to the rescue operation. Overall, Fitschen commended the crew and rescue teams for their quick and well-coordinated response, ensuring the situation was under control.
