Working Conditions Aboard the Queen-Of-Alberni

On January 8, 2025, a passenger fell overboard from the 'Queen of Alberni' while navigating from Duke Point, Vancouver, near Tsawwassen. The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m., leading to the unexpected cancellation of two sailings on the popular Duke Point-Tsawwassen route. Passengers scheduled for the 10:15 a.m. sailing from Tsawwassen and the 12:45 p.m. departure from Duke Point had their travel plans abruptly altered. In response, alternative travel options were promptly arranged, including routes via Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo. Fortunately, the individual was swiftly rescued and brought back to shore, where they received appropriate care from Emergency Health Services. The crew acted quickly by implementing emergency protocols and notifying first responders. Authorities later classified the incident as a 'mental health situation,' which was addressed with the passenger being transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

The 'Queen of Alberni' experienced engine malfunctions, resulting in the cancellation of multiple sailings between Nanaimo’s Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay on June 28 and 29, 2022. Both the 5 p.m. sailing on June 28 and the 12:15 p.m. crossing on June 29 were affected. Additionally, on June 30, the 7:40 a.m. departure from Departure Bay and the 10:00 a.m. sailing from Horseshoe Bay were also called off. A dedicated team of engineers and fleet maintenance specialists was deployed to assess the engine issues and facilitate prompt repairs. While the repairs were considerable, it was expected that the 'Queen of Alberni' would resume her services in time for the 12:25 p.m. sailing later that day. Meanwhile, the route remained operational with the 'Queen of Oak Bay' and 'Queen of Cowichan' maintaining their scheduled sailings without interruption.

In a remarkable rescue operation on August 15, 2023, fourteen individuals were saved from a sinking vessel located north of Gabriola Island. The emergency response began at 1:48 PM, when the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a distress call from the distressed vessel situated north of Gabriola and east of Nanaimo. A coalition of rescue vessels swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance. Among them was the 'Queen of Alberni,' which was rerouted from its normal Nanaimo-Tsawwassen route to aid in the operation. Additional support came from the dedicated members of the Nanaimo Marine Search and Rescue Station, along with the Canadian Coast Guard’s hovercraft 'Siyay,' which was dispatched from Richmond to ensure help was at hand. Although an aircraft was poised to assist, it was stood down as the existing teams were able to successfully recover all individuals aboard before the vessel succumbed to sinking. The 'Queen of Alberni' experienced a delay of 30 minutes due to its involvement in the life-saving operation, showcasing the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies in maritime rescue operations.