Read Authentic Ratings for the Radisson

A recent investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has revealed that a malfunction in the handoff of engine control between bridge stations was the primary cause behind the 'Radisson' ferry's allision with a wharf on October 18, 2024. This incident resulted in injuries to five individuals, including four passengers and one crew member. At the time of the accident, the ferry was transporting 94 passengers and 9 crew members during its routine service on the Québec–Lévis route. The incident occurred shortly after the vessel departed from Lévis at 5:18 p.m., en route to wharf 92 on the Québec side. As the 'Radisson' approached the destination at a speed of approximately ten knots, the master attempted to transfer control from the starboard station to the port station in preparation for a port-side docking. Unfortunately, upon switching to the port control, there was no response from the engine. Despite efforts from the bridge team to regain control from the other stations, they were unsuccessful. In an attempt to avoid a collision with a moored vessel at wharf 91, the master veered to port, leading the ferry to strike the corner of the two wharves at a speed of 6.3 knots. This resulted in a serious injury for one passenger, who fell down a ladderway, and the chief engineer was also thrown back due to the impact. Although several passengers were jolted by the collision, they fortunately sustained no serious injuries. The TSB's report highlighted that the 'Radisson', which underwent engine and control system replacements in the fall of 2022, had transitioned from an older mechanical system—where control levers were interconnected by chains—to a new electronic system that required precise adjustment for a successful handoff. Although the ferry's owner, Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), implemented a new transfer procedure, the TSB found it was insufficient in equipping the crew with the necessary knowledge to execute the handoff successfully or verify its completion. Crew members had previously raised concerns regarding similar problems with control transfers earlier in the spring of 2024, with requests for better instructions and additional personnel on the bridge. However, these suggestions had not been acted upon prior to the accident. The investigation pointed out that during the control transfer, it was challenging for the crew to determine if it was completed due to the small indicator lights and the lack of audible alerts. The master only realized the control failure too late, leaving insufficient time to avert the allision. The TSB also identified lapses in the crew's readiness to manage passenger safety during emergencies, noting that no general alarm or public address warning was issued before the impact. In the aftermath of the incident, STQ has taken measures to enhance safety by posting the control transfer procedure at each station, aligning the port station's control panels with the others, and installing an alarm to indicate ongoing transfers. Additionally, a temporary adjustment to add a third crew member on the bridge has been made. Despite these immediate changes, the 'Radisson' experienced another incident with a dock in November 2025 due to another control transfer failure, highlighting ongoing safety concerns that the ferry line must address.

The ferry service connecting Quebec City and Lévis is currently functioning with just one vessel after an incident involving the 'Radisson' occurred on November 20, 2025. At approximately 7:20 a.m., the vessel allided with the dock on the Quebec City side while traveling at a speed of around two knots. The collision was forceful enough to dislodge several passengers, resulting in a minor finger injury to one individual. According to preliminary assessments by the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ), the reduced service is expected to last up to a week. To ascertain the reasons behind the allision and to ensure compliance with safety protocols, an investigation has been initiated. The objective remains to reinstate full service with two vessels by November 27. Notably, the 'Radisson', built in 1954, is the oldest ship in the STQ fleet and has a history of incidents, having previously struck the Quebec City wharf in the fall of 2024.

On July 9, 2019, at approximately 5:30 PM, the ship Radisson encountered a steering gear malfunction while nearing the dock at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, Quebec. The incident took place at coordinates 47 26 46.6N, 070 21 54.7W. Fortunately, the crew acted swiftly to address the issue, successfully mooring the vessel to conduct necessary repairs. Following the troubleshooting, the Radisson resumed its regular operations, ensuring minimal disruption to its schedule.

The N.M. Radisson has officially returned to service after completing necessary repairs and inspections following an allision incident on September 12, 2011. The ferry resumed its operations on September 14, 2011, at 3:20 PM. The reactivation process was finalized after receiving the required authorizations from Transport Canada earlier that afternoon, ensuring the vessel meets all safety standards for passenger service.

The 'M.N. Radisson' is currently undergoing repairs following a collision incident that occurred on September 12, 2023, at 4:50 PM at the Lévis dock. As the ferry was navigating toward the quay, it collided with the pier, resulting in noticeable damage to the starboard side foreship near the car deck level. Fortunately, of the 140 passengers onboard, only twelve reported minor injuries from the impact. In the aftermath of the incident, the 'Lomer-Gouin' ferry resumed operations on September 13, accommodating an increased capacity of 590 passengers. To accommodate the disruption, alterations were made to the ferry schedule between Lévis and Quebec. New timings include a frequency of every 40 minutes between 6 AM to 10 AM and again from 2 PM to 6 PM, with a 60-minute interval at other times during the day. A Marine Investigation is currently underway to assess the circumstances surrounding this event. For more details, a report in French along with a photo can be found at: http://www.icilevis.com/fr/index-lecture.aspx?sortcode=1.39&id_article=5406.