Heroic Rescue: Passenger Retrieved After Falling Overboard from Spirit of Vancouver Island Ferry

On September 3rd, 2025, a passenger fell overboard from the Spirit of Vancouver Island ferry shortly after its departure from Tsawwassen Terminal around 1:00 p.m. The crew swiftly initiated emergency protocols, stopping the ferry and coordinating a rescue effort with the nearby Queen of New Westminster vessel.

Within moments, the ferry’s crew successfully retrieved the individual and brought them back to the dock at Tsawwassen, where paramedics provided immediate medical assistance before transporting the passenger to a hospital. Fortunately, their condition was reported as stable.

Witnesses described the moments leading up to the recovery as a distinct three-tone alarm followed by an announcement indicating a man-overboard situation. Initially perceived as a drill by some passengers, the seriousness of the situation became apparent as the crew moved efficiently, slowing the vessel and executing their emergency procedures.

B.C. Ferries expressed gratitude for the calmness displayed by the passengers and commended the crew and emergency workers for their professionalism during the incident. Due to the rescue operation, the ferry service between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay faced a delay of roughly one hour.

For more details, check the reports from CruiseMapper and B.C. Ferries.

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