Two Passengers Go Overboard on BC Ferries in Consecutive Days – 4&5 September 2025

BC Ferries experienced two separate man-overboard incidents on consecutive days in early September 2025 on its busiest route between Swartz Bay, Victoria and Tsawwassen, Vancouver. A passenger fell overboard on Wednesday, 3 September during a 1:00 p.m. sailing aboard the Spirit of Vancouver Island near Tsawwassen terminal, followed by a second passenger going overboard on Thursday, 4 September during a 5:00 p.m. sailing aboard the Spirit of British Columbia east of Active Pass. Both passengers were rescued safely by ferry crews and the Canadian Coast Guard.

The back-to-back incidents prompted swift emergency responses and drew attention from the BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union, which noted that while overboard events are rare, two occurrences in as many days is extraordinary. BC Ferries has emphasized the extreme danger of deliberate entry into the water and warned that individuals engaging in such actions may face travel restrictions, fines, or legal proceedings.

In the first incident on 3 September, a passenger aboard the Spirit of Vancouver Island fell overboard near Tsawwassen terminal during the 1:00 p.m. sailing. Union representatives stated the passenger was attempting to retrieve clothing from the water when they fell in. Ferry crew initiated man-overboard procedures immediately and recovered the passenger with assistance from rescue craft. The individual was transferred safely ashore and hospitalized in stable condition.

On 4 September, during the 5:00 p.m. sailing aboard the Spirit of British Columbia, a second passenger went overboard east of Active Pass, a narrow channel between Mayne and Galiano Islands. Rescue boats launched immediately, and the Canadian Coast Guard assisted in retrieving the passenger from the water. The person was safely returned to shore without further reported complications.

Vessels

• Spirit of Vancouver Island (first incident, 3 September)
• Spirit of British Columbia (second incident, 4 September)
• Operator: BC Ferries
• Type: Large passenger/vehicle ferries
• Route: Swartz Bay (Victoria) to Tsawwassen (Vancouver)

Passengers

• Two passengers involved in separate overboard incidents; both rescued.

Crew

• Ferry crews on both vessels responded swiftly to man-overboard emergencies and successfully executed rescue procedures.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• First passenger hospitalized in stable condition following recovery.

Rescued

• Both passengers safely recovered and returned to shore.

Ferry crews on both vessels initiated man-overboard procedures immediately upon discovery of each incident. The Canadian Coast Guard assisted in the retrieval of both passengers. Ferry workers' training and professionalism were praised for successfully handling two separate emergencies without loss of life. Both sailings experienced delays of approximately one hour due to the rescue operations.

BC Ferries has confirmed both incidents and emphasized that deliberate entry into the water is extremely dangerous, placing both passengers and crew responders at significant risk. The company has warned that individuals engaging in such actions may face consequences including travel restrictions, fines, or legal proceedings. Normal ferry operations have resumed on the affected route.