3 rescued from sinking boat near Nanaimo, BC Ferries called in to assist
Posted June 28, 2020 6:57 pm.
Last Updated June 28, 2020 7:01 pm.
NANAIMO (NEWS 1130) — Three people on board a 21-foot pleasure craft that capsized after taking on water were successfully rescued by the Coast Guard Sunday afternoon.
The Queen of Oak Bay and the Queen of Cowichan were both called in to assist around 4 p.m. while making their respective trips between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo.
“Neither vessel deployed their rescue boats, both vessels did experience delays as a result of the incident and we thank our customers for their understanding as we participated in this rescue,” says Astrid Chang with BC Ferries.
HAPPENING NOW: The Joint Rescue Coordination Center says a boat with 3 people on board began taking on water and capsized between Nanaimo and Sechelt. The details tonight on @CityNewsVAN @NEWS1130 @BT_Vancouver https://t.co/cFyvvzcoIe pic.twitter.com/2h3IJ9E5BJ
— Ashley Burr (@AshleyBurr_) June 29, 2020
Chang says ferries and staff are always poised to respond to distress calls like this when they come in.
“Our employees are highly trained to respond to marine rescues, and often we’re called to participate in marine rescues in areas near where we sail. So, we do get these calls from time to time and we take them seriously,” she explains.
“It’s very important that we work together with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and participate out there on the waters.”