According to multiple accounts, B.C. Ferries rescued a man Saturday night, after his canoe had capsized near Mayne Island.
Crews of two separate vehicles — said to be the Spirit of B.C. heading from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and the Queen of Cumberland heading from Pender Island to Mayne Island — participated in the rescue, with both vessels launching rescue vessels. According to multiple accounts, the man was able to swim to safety after his vehicle had overturned at Helen Point in Active Pass.
After a lifetime of riding ferries tonight was a first. Ferry stopped to release a rescue team to support a vessel in distress. Just had the announcement that they were able to save the individual. Well done @BCFerries pic.twitter.com/QSOMB4LHx4
— Cameron May (@pastiscam) June 9, 2019
The rescue craft of the Queen of of Cumberland then carried the individual back to Mayne Island.
The incident delayed both vehicles for up to 30 minutes.
Cameron May, who observed the rescue from the Spirit of B.C., and found himself impressed by the quick and well-coordinated response with the second vessel.
“But secondly, I was impressed by how well [B.C. Ferries] kept us all in the loop about what was going on,” he said. “Right to the end with letting us all know the individual was OK, and what their plans were to continue supporting [him] once rescued rescued.”