SPIRIT OF BC

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Youth set fire in a washroom

A male youth was arrested after a fire was reported in a washroom on deck six of the 'Spirit of British Columbia' on Oct 10, 2023, on its 7 p.m. sailing. After the fire alarm sounded, a public announcement was made for crew to report to muster stations. Travellers on passenger decks were sent to muster stations as well. The crew checked on passengers in the vehicles, initially telling them to stay where they were but later telling them to leave and go up to deck six. They were about half-way there when another announcement told them to return to their vehicles. The announcer apologized to travellers for the delay in leaving the ferry. Police were called by B.C. Ferries about 8:40 p.m. who reported that a fire had been set in one of the washrooms, and arrived as the ferry was pulling into Swartz Bay. They searched for and arrested a youth of no fixed address who matched the description they were given. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a future date on a charge of mischief. The incident resulted in the 9 p.m. sailing leaving Swartz Bay about 45 minutes late.

Ferry turned around for medical emergency

The 'Spirit of British Columbia' returned to Swartz Bay because a oassenger needed immediate medical attention during the sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen in the afternoon of June 19, 2022. Around 1:50 p.m. B.C. the ferry had returned to the Swartz Bay. As a result, the 1 p.m. sailing departed 86 minutes behind schedule, and the 3 p.m. sailing was delayed by about 88 minutes.

Repairs until mid-May

The "Spirit of British" Columbia ferry will be out of service until mid-May, causing more cancelled trips between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. The vessel’s rubbing strake was damaged while she attempted to dock during a storm on April 27, and repairs were ongoing. While passengers will continue to be accommodated on other vessels, there are some morning cancellations on May 6 and May 13, as well as the cancellation of the May 7, 12 p.m. sailing from Swartz Bay until May 14, and the 10 p.m. sailingon May 12 from Tsawwassen. The ship sailed from Robert's Bank on May 13 at 10.45 p.m.