The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 29 July 2019.
Uncontrolled fall of rescue boat
Queen of Cumberland
Swartz Bay, British Columbia
The occurrence
On , tthe crew on the roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Queen of Cumberland were using an on‑board davit to hoist the vessel's rescue boat out of the water during a drill, when the hoist cable parted. There were 2 crew members in the rescue boat at the time. The rescue boat and the 2 crew members fell approximately 11 m to the water. Both crew members were injured, one of them seriously, and the rescue boat was damaged.
Media materials
News release
Incorrect securement led to 2018 rescue boat fall from British Columbia ferry
Read the news release
Investigation information
M18P0087
Uncontrolled fall of rescue boat
Queen of Cumberland
Swartz Bay, British Columbia
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.