What Crew Members Say About Island-Kuluta

On February 10, 2023, at approximately 5:10 PM, a significant incident occurred involving the K'Ulut'A ferry, which operates between Campbell River and Quadra Island, British Columbia. The ferry collided with the terminal at Quathiaski Cove, drawing attention to the incident as it appeared the vessel was approaching the dock at a high speed before making contact. Despite the accident, the K'Ulut'A managed to safely dock afterward, allowing the disembarkation of vehicles and passengers. In the aftermath of the allision, BC Ferries promptly initiated an investigation to assess the damage and determine the required repairs for the Quathiaski Cove terminal.

On February 10, 2022, a devastating fire engulfed the 17.5-meter motor yacht 'Katherine May' while navigating the waters between Port McNeill and Malcom Island. At precisely 8:10 a.m., a distress call reported flames consuming the vessel in the Broughton Strait near Lady Ellen Point. The ferry 'Island K’ulut’a', making its way from Sointula to Port McNeill, promptly altered its course to assist. By 8:40 a.m., the ferry had arrived near Pultney Point, where the Coast Guard and a nearby seine boat were already on site. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Rescue Centre released the ferry from its assistance role. The Coast Guard's emergency fast rescue craft, 'Cadboro Bay', dispatched from Port Hardy, responded to the scene given the urgency of the situation. There was one individual aboard the yacht, who received help from nearby vessels and was subsequently taken to Port McNeill's hospital by Coast Guard personnel, with no apparent injuries reported. The 'Katherine May', a 1976 trawler motor yacht that had been well-maintained and listed for sale at $97,500 through Pacific Boat Brokers in Nanaimo, contained three staterooms and two bathrooms. Sadly, the vessel sank at 11:30 a.m. Following the incident, the Coast Guard Environmental Response Team took charge of the aftermath. An investigation is underway to determine the fire's origin. For more details and photographs, visit the coverage by CTV News Vancouver Island.