Transportation Safety Board to investigate dock collision on Toronto Island ferry

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it is deploying a “team of investigators” after a Toronto Island ferry crashed into a dock at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal on Saturday.

The collision happened Saturday afternoon when the Sam McBride ferry, carrying more than 900 passengers at the time, crashed into the dock.

There were 12 reported injuries, although they were all minor, paramedics said.

A spokesperson for Toronto Paramedics said five of those hurt were taken to hospital for treatment, but none of the injuries were deemed to be serious.

No one had fallen into the water, officials added.

On Monday, the TSB said it would gather information such as data, conduct witness interviews, examine the boat and equipment, human factors, the operator, meteorological conditions, the history of the vessel and assess the occurrence.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, rail and pipeline transportation occurrences with the aim of advancing safety. It does not determine civil or criminal liability.

Meanwhile, the City of Toronto said as a result of the ferry docking incident, service between the Island and the terminal will be reduced for the rest of the summer, operating on a modified schedule.

“Passengers can expect much longer than usual wait times for the remainder of the summer,” the city said in a tweet on Sunday.

In a news release Monday, the City of Toronto said following a “comprehensive inspection” by safety experts, Transport Canada “provided clearance” for the Sam McBride ferry to return to service.

“A final series of checks will be performed on the ferry before returning it to service,” the release read.

The city said it “welcomes news” of a safety review by the TSB, adding that it would be “fully cooperating” with the review.

“An internal City investigation is also underway. In addition, all those who work with ferry vessels are participating in a review of safe docking procedures prior to the start of each shift,” the city said.

— With files from Global News’ Isaac Callan and The Canadian Press