Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Control system failed ahead of BC Ferry crash

A problem with the Coastal Inspiration's control system may have led to yesterday's crash at Duke Point, a British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. spokesperson said.

"Initial indication is an electronic failure of a control system was [the] root cause, however we are still doing a full investigation which will take some time," spokesperson Deborah Marshall said in an email.

The vessel had a "hard landing" at the terminal near Nanaimo, injuring at least two people, neither of them seriously, according to initial reports. Duke Point has been closed indefinitely while the damage is assessed, with traffic routed to the Departure Bay terminal instead.

The Coastal Inspiration arrived from Germany in 2008. BC Ferries bought it and two other vessels from Flensburger Schiffbau Gesellschaft for $542 million.

In 2008 The Tyee reported there were concerns about vibrations on the ships, heavy fuel use and noise that sources said were related to design flaws.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.

Find more in: