B.C. Ferries Still Counting Passengers/Crew of Queen of the North

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 12:43 PM

map courtesy Google Earth

(Queen of the North, photo courtesy B.C. Ferries)

B.C. Ferries advises that family members of the passengers and crew can call 1-888-223-3779 (press 5) for more information
ICBC has reps on the scene to handle vehicle claims a.s.a.p

The Canadian Coast Guard is still on the scene of the sinking of the Queen of the North, just in case someone or something has been missed. B.C. Ferries CEO David Hahn says although it is believed all passengers and crew have been accounted for, "Until I am 100% confident that everyone has been accounted for, ...I want to make sure the loved ones know that everyone has been accounted for."

Initial reports said 99 people were on board the Queen of the North when it went down just before one this morning about 135 kms south of Prince Rupert.

B.C. Ferries says there were 101 on board, although CEO David Hahn says there was a case where a family bought four passes, and only 3 decided to sail.
In a release issued this afternoon, B.C. Ferries says it is still "still validating the manifest to ensure that all passengers are now en route via a coast guard vessel from Hartley Bay to Prince Rupert. The company is concerned that two additional passengers may be unaccounted for, but have reports from passengers that they were seen at the rescue centre at Hartley Bay. The company is concerned that these two passengers may have found their own transportation back to Prince Rupert. "

The release also advises that 11 people, including three crew members, have been transferred from Hartley Bay to Prince Rupet by armed forces helicopter because they were suffering minor injuries. The remaining passengers and crew were being transferred to Rupert via Canadian Coast Guard Vessel, Sir Wilfred Laurier.

An oilslick is visible at the site where the Queen of the North went under, an oil pollution emergency plan is now underway, a spill response team has set up a command post in Prince Rupert and  oil spill containment and mop-up equipment are being sent to the site.

There are some who say the ships age is a factor because it didn't have a double compartment below the water level, B.C. Ferries CEO David Hahn says "This is more of a ship being off course than anything else".

The Minister of Transport, Lawrence Cannon, has appointed a Minister's Observer to keep him  informed of information coming from the Transportation Safety Board's investigation of this morning's sinking.

He has promised “Any safety deficiencies that may be identified through the Transportation Safety Board’s investigation will be addressed immediately. We will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board to maintain and enhance the safety of Canada’s marine sector.”

The Minister of Transport also says  “I am relieved that lives were not lost, and our thoughts and support go out to those affected by this serious accident. I would like to commend the crew of the vessel, the Canadian Coast Guard, emergency response officials and the many local fishers whose swift action ensured the safety of all persons aboard the vessel. I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the members of the local community for their assistance. "

UPDATE 2:55 pm:
ICBC has just announced it is has reps on site in Prince Rupert to assist passengers from the Queen of the North to expedite the handling of all vehicle-related claims related to the ferry's sinking. ICBC has been in contact with BC Ferries and has agreed to handle all vehicle-related claims. This will include expedited payments for the loss of the vehicle, as well as coverage for a replacement vehicle if required. ICBC's goal is to have cheques in the customers' hands as soon as possible - immediately, or certainly within 24 hours.

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