Spirit-Of-Bc Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On March 22, 2025, an emergency unfolded aboard the 'Spirit of British Columbia' ferry during its journey from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen. Six passengers fell ill in a stairwell, prompting immediate medical intervention. British Columbia Emergency Health Services (EHS) along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. While two of the affected passengers required transport to a nearby hospital for further treatment, the remaining individuals received care directly on the vessel. Following the incident, the ferry successfully docked at Swartz Bay, where it underwent necessary cleaning and was cleared for continued service. However, the 1 p.m. sailing from Swartz Bay experienced a delay of 55 minutes, affecting subsequent sailings as well. Passengers traveling on the 3:00 p.m. departure from Tsawwassen, the 5:00 p.m. leaving Swartz Bay, and the 7:00 p.m. from Tsawwassen were advised to expect further delays.

On the evening of October 10, 2023, a male youth was apprehended following an alarming incident that took place on the 'Spirit of British Columbia.' The incident began during the 7 p.m. sailing when a fire was ignited in a washroom located on deck six. Upon activation of the fire alarm, crew members promptly announced an evacuation plan, directing both passengers on the decks and those in vehicles to muster stations for safety. As part of the emergency protocol, ferry staff initially instructed passengers in vehicles to remain where they were, only to later advise them to evacuate to deck six. Just as they were halfway through their journey, another announcement advised them to return to their vehicles, accompanied by an apology for the resulting delays. B.C. Ferries notified the authorities around 8:40 p.m. just as the vessel was arriving at Swartz Bay. Police responded quickly and conducted a search for a youth who matched the description provided. The suspect, with no fixed address, was subsequently arrested and released on an undertaking to appear in court to face charges of mischief. Due to the incident, the ferry's 9 p.m. sailing was delayed by approximately 45 minutes, causing inconvenience to many travelers. This event raises important questions about safety onboard ferries and highlights the protocols that are activated in emergency situations.

On June 19, 2022, the ferry 'Spirit of British Columbia' scheduled for a voyage from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen found itself returning to Swartz Bay due to a passenger requiring urgent medical assistance. The incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. PT, prompting the vessel to make an unexpected turnaround. As a result of this medical emergency, the 1 p.m. sailing departed approximately 86 minutes later than planned, while the subsequent 3 p.m. sailing experienced a delay of nearly 88 minutes. The quick response of the crew ensured that the passenger received the necessary care without significant delay.