Two BC Ferry crews were called into action to rescue a man who had jumped overboard from the Coastal Celebration last night.
The vessel was en route from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and stopped in Active Pass. Passengers report that around 9:30 p.m. a man in his 20s activated one of the ferry’s life-rafts and jumped into it. Rescue boats from both the Coastal Celebration and the Spirit of BC were deployed.
The Joint Rescue Co-Coordination Centre searched for the passenger who turned up on Galiano Island.
R.C.M.P. officers responded immediately to the area to join in with the search that involved RCM SAR, and the Canadian Coast Guard. While on route to that call, police received a second frantic call from a resident on Galiano Island that a man had just entered her residence. The male was naked, was completely soaked, incoherent and not responding.
Police say the man allegedly started to throw furniture and other items around the home, causing damage. The resident managed to escape her home without injury and went to a neighbours to call for help. The man left her residence and walked to a nearby resort and entered one of the cabins.
Police arrived and contained the area until further resources arrived, including members from the Sidney Detachment and the Police Dog Services. The man was taken into custody without incident and taken to Royal Jubilee Hospital for assessment.
BC Ferries said they will be pressing charges for tampering with life-saving equipment, which is a federal offence, against the passenger. Charges for break and enter, unlawfully in a dwelling and mischief under $5,000 are being recommended by the RCMP.
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