Two passengers were injured during the Skidegate to Prince Rupert sailing on Sept. 15, after the vessel ran into heavy seas under gale warnings. Both required ambulances on arrival in Prince Rupert.
A BC Ferries service notice that day warned the sailing would be revised due to Environment Canada’s severe weather forecast. Later, the company posted that the 10 p.m. departure would leave an hour late as the system swept through Hecate Strait.
Environment Canada had issued gale warnings for both the northern and southern halves of Hecate Strait, with southeast winds forecast to climb into the 35 to 45 knot range overnight. Rain arrived with the front in Prince Rupert on Sept. 15, totalling 10.9 millimetres, after dry conditions the day before.
BC Ferries confirmed the incident in a statement to Haida Gwaii News. “We can confirm that BC Ambulance Service was called on September 15 after two passengers fell on board during the Skidegate to Prince Rupert sailing, when the vessel encountered heavy weather,” said Sheila Reynolds, Senior Communications Advisor. “While the weather conditions were challenging, they remained within safe operating parameters. Crew members provided immediate assistance, and the passengers were met by medical personnel upon arrival in Prince Rupert. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority, and our crews are trained to respond in all conditions. We regret that this occurred and wish the individuals a speedy recovery.”
BC Ferries no longer displays past advisories on its current-conditions page, but its Sept. 15 postings confirm the weather-related delay on the Prince Rupert–Graham Island run.
