Read Authentic Ratings for the Quinsam

Sailings aboard the 'Quinsam' servicing the route between Gabriola and Nanaimo are set to be disrupted until early next week due to a staffing shortage linked to a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. In a response to these cancellations, B.C. Ferries will provide complimentary water taxi services for travelers moving between Gabriola and Nanaimo. These water taxis will run from 5:15 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. (extending to 8:10 a.m. on weekends) and from 7 p.m. until the last trip departs from Nanaimo at 11 p.m. The crew shortages are specific to the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola route, as it is the only affected service amidst the ongoing vaccination mandate. According to Transport Canada, all on-board personnel must provide proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by November 15. B.C. Ferries anticipates that reduced sailings of the 'Quinsam' will persist until at least November 23. In collaboration with the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union, B.C. Ferries is proactively reaching out to onboard employees who have not yet confirmed their vaccination status, urging them to comply promptly. Currently, the company reports that only 1.6 percent of its workforce remains unvaccinated, highlighting an ongoing effort to meet regulatory requirements and restore full service soon.

The search operation off Gabriola Island has reached a solemn conclusion as divers successfully located the body of a 32-year-old woman within a vehicle that had plunged through a steel barrier at the ferry terminal on March 21. At approximately 1 p.m., the RCMP dive team, aided by the RCMP West Coast Marine patrol vessel 'Hickett' and the Canada Border Services Agency, managed to access the submerged car, which was found approximately 60 meters from the stern of the ferry 'Quinsam' at a depth of around 37 meters. Authorities have confirmed that foul play is not suspected, and the case has now transitioned to the coroner's office for further investigation. Prior to the recovery of the vehicle, divers faced significant challenges, which necessitated a temporary halt of ferry services for much of the day. The 'Quinsam' was, however, back on its regular schedule between downtown Nanaimo and Descanso Bay by 5:30 p.m. on March 30. The incident caused significant disruption due to extensive search operations carried out by the Coast Guard, RCMP, and search and rescue teams, who thoroughly scoured both the water and shoreline for the vehicle and its occupants. While the recovery operation was ongoing, B.C. Ferries announced timewise interruptions in sailings on March 21, resuming normal operations later that day. For further details and visuals, visit the full report here: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/ferries-halted-as-rcmp-divers-search-for-body-of-person-who-launched-car-off-ferry-dock-into-water-1.94765.

In a startling event, a vehicle broke through a barrier gate and plummeted into the depths of the ocean at Descanso Bay terminal on March 20, 2013. The RCMP dive team was called to the scene but faced challenges in reaching the sunken car, which had driven off the docked ferry 'Quinsam' with one occupant inside. Reports indicate that the vehicle approached at an alarming speed, barreling through a six-foot barrier gate before launching off the ferry’s loading ramp. It then careened along the ferry's deck and ultimately flew off the end, plunging about 48 meters into the water around 3:45 a.m. Due to the depth, the RCMP dive team decided against further searches that day, anticipating the need for a specialized military or private dive team for recovery efforts. In response to the incident, BC Ferries canceled all ferry routes between Gabriola Island and Nanaimo Harbour, providing water taxi services for foot passengers until further notice. Before resuming operations for the ferry and loading ramp, a comprehensive inspection was scheduled. Emergency services, including the Gabriola RCMP, Coast Guard, firefighters, and BC Ambulance Services, were present to manage the situation. West Coast Marine Services conducted a depth scan and successfully located the vehicle, while beach patrols were initiated to search for survivors. Notably, divers resumed their efforts on March 21 at 8:30 a.m., as ferry services were reinstated. Fortunately, the ferry sustained only minor damage, with some hydraulic lines to the apron affected. The crew managed to operate the ferry manually until repairs could be completed. Visuals and further details of the incident can be found in reports here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/03/20/bc-gabriola-island-ferry-vehicle-sinks.html?cmp=rss and http://beaconnews.ca/blog/2013/03/bc-ferries-dock-at-gabriola-island-damaged-after-car-plunges-into-water/