B.C. Ferries is investigating the cause of a “hard landing” by the Island K’ulut’a, which hit the berth at Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island early Friday evening.
The ferry and berth suffered minor damage in the 5:15 p.m. incident but no one was injured, B.C. Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said Tuesday.
Two subsequent sailings for the K’ulut’a and four for its partner vessel on the Campbell River-Quadra Island runs, the Island Nagalis, were cancelled.
A 12-person water taxi was hired to provide service starting about 7 p.m., Marshall said.
After a full inspection of the ferry and berth, B.C. Ferries determined service could start up again. The Island Nagalis sailed again about 7:30 p.m. and the K’ulut’a was back on the route Saturday.
Repairing the berth is expected to take about two weeks, Marshall said. A marine rig is needed to lift its outer pad back into place.
Until the work is completed, vessels coming into Quathiaski Cove must approach at reduced speed.
The K’ulut’a and Nagalis went into service on Jan. 18 on the Campbell River-Quadra Island route, boosting the number of sailings to 29 per day from 18. They replaced the MV Powell River Queen.
Each of the doubled-ended, hybrid-electric vessels is 265 feet long and carries 400 passengers and crew.
The Nagalis had a mishap shortly after beginning service. On Jan. 26, the vessel experienced an issue with its thruster and the K’ulut’a filled in while repairs were carried out.
Two-ship service on that route resumed the next day.
Meanwhile, the cause of a huge anchor flying overboard on the Spirit of British Columbia while sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen in early December has been identified. The chain-stopper failed, allowing the anchor to self-release, Marshall said.
The ferry was near Galiano and Mayne islands when the anchor released. The anchor was hauled back on board and the ferry continued to Tsawwassen.
