News release

Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report (M22P0298) into the 2022 risk of collision between the cargo vessel Saga Beija-Flor and a pleasure craft registered to Granville Island Boat Rentals in Vancouver Harbour, British Columbia.

On October 15, 2022, the Saga Beija-Flor was travelling through Vancouver Harbour when a pleasure craft came in close proximity and was at risk of collision. The pleasure craft capsized, likely from the influence of the bow wave of the cargo vessel, and all occupants (three people and two dogs) entered the water. The three people were subsequently recovered by vessels in the area and were transported to a local hospital. The dogs were never recovered.

The investigation found that as the pleasure craft was making its way toward Second Narrows in Vancouver Harbour, the operator’s primary focus was on keeping the pleasure craft 1 km from shore in accordance with the rental company’s direction and therefore he navigated toward the centre of the channel, crossing directly into the Saga Beija-Flor’s path. The operator, who did not have a pleasure craft operator card, was only required to complete a rental boat safety checklist to be deemed competent for the rental period. Without previous experience and with limited training, the operator was not aware of the need to scan around the vessel and, as a result, he did not see the cargo vessel approaching from behind.

Regulations require that Saga Beija-Flor’s lookout maintain full attention to their task and cannot take on additional duties that could interfere with that task. It was determined that no one from the crew on board the Saga Beija-Flor was tasked with keeping a dedicated lookout, despite travelling through a harbour frequented by recreational vessels. Additionally, the clear weather on the day of the occurrence was a factor in shaping the level of vigilance exercised by the bridge team and reduced their perceived need to maintain a continuous radar watch. As a result, the pleasure craft was not detected by the cargo vessel as it came in close proximity and capsized.

Following this occurrence, Granville Island Boat Rentals reviewed its renter check-in and familiarization process. Employees now emphasize to renters the need to pay attention to surrounding vessels and give way to large commercial vessels, especially in the vicinity of bridges in Vancouver Harbour. In addition to renters watching the training video in the rental office, the video is also now available to view in advance on the company website.

See the investigation page for more information.