NDP ferries critic Gary Coons is questioning whether the Northern Adventure — the ferry sometimes dubbed the “Vomit Comet” – is equipped for the harsh waters and weather of B.C.’s stormy North Coast.
Almost 100 passengers were subjected to an extremely rough ride off Prince Rupert, and after being pummeled by gale-force winds, the 117- metre vessel was forced to turn back Monday rather than continue to Haida Gwaii.
Hecate Strait is subject to a fearsome combination of heavy winds and shallow water, and, Coons noted, the ship was designed for the calmer Mediterranean waters it plied before B.C. Ferries bought her.
“Some people call it the ‘Vomit Comet,’ “ Coons told The Province. “It’s perhaps suitable to do the Inside Passage. There’s a risk of damage to the vessel.”
Four vehicles were damaged and a number of crew hurt when a storm hit earlier and harder than expected on the Rupert-Skidegate run, which had to be abandoned.
“This vessel has a litany of problems,” said Coons. “I would have preferred that B.C. Ferries produce a vessel that’s up to the extreme weather conditions.
“It’s a great vessel for the Mediterranean, but I don’t think it should be plying those waters. We’ve got this vessel for another 20 to 30 years.”
B.C. Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said the Northern Adventure was working the Mediterranean when it was purchased to replace the Queen of the North, after it tragically sank and claimed two lives.
“It doesn’t happen often, but we cancel or delay a sailing if the captain feels the need to,” said Marshall. “Safety is always paramount.”
Marshall bristled at the suggestion that ferry managers — who are paid bonuses for on-time performance — would put pressure on the crew to sail in questionable weather.
“It’s certainly up to the captain’s discretion,” said Marshall. “It was quite a rough crossing, but the vessel performed exceptionally well.”
Marshall said the boat was purchased for $49.3 million, and underwent a $9-million upgrade to improve drainage and heating for the move from a mild Mediterranean climate to deal with the colder, rainier conditions it now faces on the North Coast.
In the summer, because of heavier traffic, the Northern Adventure shares the North Coast ferry routes with the larger, 150-metre Northern Expedition.
The Province
Ian Austin
November 25, 2009