BC Ferries reponded to several marine emergencies over the weekend. On Friday the Queen of Nanaimo responded to a Mayday call from a boat that had run aground on rocks with 7 passengers aboard.
All passengers transferred off their boat and into the rescue boat. Canada Customs then took over from BC Ferries.
BC Ferries says crews responded to 5 additional marine incidents over the July 14 - 16th weekend.
The Queen of Nanaimo launched its rescue boat for a second time at Tsawwassen terminal to pluck two canoeists from the water and take them to shore for further care.
The Coastal Renaissance crew spotted an unoccupied zodiac near Snake Island off the Nanaimo Harbour area and investigated to ensure there was nothing wrong.
Crews from the MV Kuper and Howe Sound Queen responded to a Mayday from a boat in distress near Tent Island, and towed the boat to safety.
The MV Kahloke launched its rescue boat to help a stranded pleasure craft and stayed in the area until Canadian Coast Guard arrived.
In an average year, BC Ferries’ vessels respond to about 125 marine emergencies, 24 where they launch rescue boats - so 6 in one weekernd is unsuual. BC Ferries crews provide visual confirmation of situations, recovery of people from the water, and applying advanced first aid treatment.