What Crew Members Say About Salish-Raven

On the evening of February 8, 2024, the ferry 'Salish Raven' encountered a mechanical failure that led to the immediate cancellation of all evening sailings between Swartz Bay and the Southern Gulf Islands. The incident was caused by an oil spill that occurred on the car deck, prompting safety measures. Fortunately, operations resumed the following day, February 9, from the Swartz Bay Terminal, allowing travelers to return to their journeys. Mariners and passengers are encouraged to stay informed about any updates or changes in service.

On November 7, 2019, a ferry mishap left over 85 passengers adrift for several hours off the shores of Vancouver Island. The 'Salish Raven', which was traveling from the Southern Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay in Victoria, encountered a significant mechanical problem when one of its thrusters failed shortly before 10 a.m. As news of the disabled vessel spread, crowds of eager passengers patiently waiting at the terminal began to disperse, realizing that the ship was in distress. The majority of those on board were residents of the Gulf Islands, many of whom had essential appointments in Victoria that now required rescheduling. Fortunately, a tugboat was dispatched to assist, successfully towing the 'Salish Raven' back to shore at approximately 1:30 p.m., nearly four hours later than the expected arrival time for the usual 40-minute journey. Throughout the ordeal, BC Ferries staff remained vigilant and accommodating, providing complimentary food and drinks to the stranded passengers. It's worth noting that the disruption did not affect the schedule of other ferries operating in the Swartz Bay region. By afternoon, maintenance crews assessed the 'Salish Raven', while BC Ferries arranged for a replacement vessel to ensure continuous service.

Travellers on the Comox-Powell River ferry route faced unexpected disruptions on the night of August 10, 2019, as the 'Salish Raven' was forced to cancel its sailings due to a crew illness. A crucial member of the engineering department fell ill, leading to a staffing shortfall that could not be mitigated in time. The final round trip for the evening was scheduled to depart Comox at 7:10 p.m. and return from Powell River at 8:45 p.m., but passengers were left stranded as the service was halted. B.C. Ferries expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and is reviewing requests for reimbursements from those who incurred additional costs, such as hotel accommodations. With many local hotels fully booked, passengers resorted to sleeping in their campers at the overflow parking lot, while others sought lodging in nearby Campbell River. The unexpected cancellation left many travelers scrambling to find alternatives amid a challenging situation.