Spirit-Of-Bc

Emergency services were called onboard the 'Spirit of British Columbia' to provide medical attention to multiple passengers on a ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen on March 22, 2025. Six passengers became ill in a stairwell and required medical attention. The BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) and RCMP responded and assisted the six. Two of the passengers were transported to hospital and the others received care onboard. The vessel docked in Swartz Bay and was cleared and cleaned and has since resumed service. The 1 p.m. Swartz Bay sailing to Tsawwassen was delayed by 55 minutes as a consequence. Passengers had to expect a delay with the 3:00 p.m. departing Tsawwassen, the 5:00 p.m. departing Swartz Bay, as well as the 7:00 p.m. departing Tsawwassen too.

A male youth was arrested after a fire was reported in a washroom on deck six of the 'Spirit of British Columbia' on Oct 10, 2023, on its 7 p.m. sailing. After the fire alarm sounded, a public announcement was made for crew to report to muster stations. Travellers on passenger decks were sent to muster stations as well. The crew checked on passengers in the vehicles, initially telling them to stay where they were but later telling them to leave and go up to deck six. They were about half-way there when another announcement told them to return to their vehicles. The announcer apologized to travellers for the delay in leaving the ferry. Police were called by B.C. Ferries about 8:40 p.m. who reported that a fire had been set in one of the washrooms, and arrived as the ferry was pulling into Swartz Bay. They searched for and arrested a youth of no fixed address who matched the description they were given. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a future date on a charge of mischief. The incident resulted in the 9 p.m. sailing leaving Swartz Bay about 45 minutes late.

The 'Spirit of British Columbia' returned to Swartz Bay because a oassenger needed immediate medical attention during the sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen in the afternoon of June 19, 2022. Around 1:50 p.m. B.C. the ferry had returned to the Swartz Bay. As a result, the 1 p.m. sailing departed 86 minutes behind schedule, and the 3 p.m. sailing was delayed by about 88 minutes.