One person was in vehicle that went off ferry dock

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GABRIOLA ISLAND (NEWS1130) – RCMP have confirmed to News1130 that someone was in the vehicle that went off the BC Ferry dock on Gabriola Island early this morning.

At about 3:45 a.m., the vehicle crashed through a barrier gate at the terminal where the open-decked ferry, the MV Quinsam, was tied up overnight.

It careened up the raised ramp at the terminal and launched itself onto the ferry’s deck, skidding the length of the deck before tumbling into the water from the open bow of the ship.

Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong with Nanaimo RCMP says now that they know where the vehicle is, divers will be able to search the waters tomorrow. “We reviewed the footage of the cameras and there was approximately 200 feet at launch. We now can confirm that the vehicle’s been submerged at approximately 120 feet.”

Armstrong says witnesses recall seeing the vehicle travel towards the barrier at a high rate of speed. “We can’t confirm that there were passengers, we know for sure there was one person involved.”

The incident has closed the ferry terminal until further notice, suspending sailings between Gabriola Island and nearby Nanaimo Harbour.

A release from BC Ferries says a water taxi service is being arranged for foot passengers.

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