(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — Transport Canada has detained a vessel from a Vancouver tour operator after the boat ran aground in Indian Arm last month, Global News reported.
On July 27, Pacific Ferries’ Coastal Runner was carrying 17 passengers for a tour when Vancouver police say it ran aground near the Second Narrows Bridge. Witnesses told Global News the captain got stuck on the rocks in shallow water and then appeared to repeatedly back the boat up and drive it forward again before pulling out.
Pacific Ferries owner Ihab Shaker said his captain was able to free the vessel after about five to 10 minutes and that it only had a minor impact with the bar.
Shaker admitted the captain lost focus and did not account for the low tide, telling Global News he wanted to show the passengers the shipyards and locations where seals are sometimes seen.
The Vancouver Police Department’s Marine Unit issued the 48-year-old Pacific Ferries’ captain a $575 ticket for unsafe operation of a vessel.
Transport Canada has since pulled Coastal Runner from service after conducting a compliance inspection. The vessel is currently undergoing repairs and will not be released until further inspection by the federal department responsible for transportation safety.
Click here to read the story and to view a video of the incident.
