BC Ferries had to deal with a potentially dangerous situation as the Queen of Alberni made its way past Entrance Island to the Duke Point Ferry terminal yesterday (Wed).
Spokesperson Deborah Marshall says as about 75 boats were taking part in a fisheries opening a poorly marked fishing net snagged the ferry's propeller:
So the crew on board the Alberni reduced speed to about 6 knots so that they could navigate their way to the berth at Duke Point. There was one fishing vessel that had its net poorly marked, and the floats were partially submerged. The crew did not see the net, and it did get fouled in our propeller. "
The small boat was dragged for a time until the line snapped.
" The vessel was delayed for about 20 minutes. The crew on board the bridge, they put the vessel into reverse or a stern position to try to unfoul the fishing net. So that caused about a 20 minute delay."
While no one was hurt Marshall says potentially this could have been a very dangerous situation.
Marshall is reminding fishermen to stay clear of ferries and will be taking the matter up with the Department of Fisheries