High winds have pushed a BC Ferries vessel toward the shore at Village Bay on Mayne Island Saturday morning.
It happened while the Queen of Nanaimo ferry was leaving the terminal at approximately 10:45 a.m.
BC Ferries says the crew deployed both anchors to keep the ship from being set onto the shore.
They say the Queen of Nanaimo came into contact with a private float on Mayne Island, which sustained some damage.
Eyewitness Brian Haller told Global News the ferry ran aground while trying to exit the dock after getting caught by heavy winds as it tried to turn around.
Haller says the outer wings of the docks were damaged as well.
The Coast Guard told Global News it appears to have been a soft grounding. The hovercraft is responding, but there is no search-and-rescue operation in progress.
It appears none of the 22 crew members or two passengers on board have been hurt.
BC Ferries does not believe there were any mechanical issues with the vessel.
It does not appear there is any damage to the vessel.
The ferry is expected to be tugged to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island.
The remainder of the Queen of Nanaimo’s sailings are cancelled for today.
More updates to come…
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