The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 11 February 2021.
Striking
Roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Spirit of Vancouver Island
Tsawwassen, British Columbia
The occurrence
On , the passenger ferry Spirit of Vancouver Island struck the dock while berthing at Tsawassen Terminal, British Columbia. The vessel and dock sustained damage. Three occupants (two crew, one passenger) sustained minor injuries.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: April 2020 striking of a dock by a passenger ferry in Tsawwassen, British Columbia
Read the news release
Investigation information
M20P0110
Striking
Roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Spirit of Vancouver Island
Tsawwassen, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
Clinton Rebeiro started his career as a Deck Officer and currently holds a Transport Canada Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. In his 25 years of experience in the marine industry, Mr. Rebeiro has worked in several positions, both sea-going and shore bases, with ExxonMobil, Shell, and BC Ferries. His experience includes working with tankers, LNG carriers, and Ro-Ro passenger ferries, as well as piloting, commercial operations and ship vetting.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 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.