
The MV Queen of New Westminster has had its fair share of accidents. The ferry was involved in a collision with a sailboat in 2007, causing minor damage to both vessels.
One of the most significant accidents involving the MV Queen of New Westminster occurred in 2006, when the ferry ran aground in the Fraser River. The incident resulted in minor damage to the ferry and no injuries.
The MV Queen of New Westminster has also experienced mechanical issues, including a problem with its propeller shaft in 2013. Fortunately, the issue was resolved without incident, and service was not interrupted.
The ferry's accidents and mechanical issues have had a significant impact on its operations and maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance and repairs are essential to ensuring the ferry's safety and reliability.
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MV Queen of New Westminster Accidents
The MV Queen of New Westminster has been involved in two notable accidents. In October 1971, a car fell into the water while the ship was departing from the Departure Bay terminal.

Both occupants of the vehicle were rescued. The incident highlights the importance of following proper departing procedures.
In another incident on August 13, 1992, three people were killed and two others were injured when a van fell 15 meters from the upper deck onto the lower car deck and into the sea.
Causes of Accidents
The MV Queen of New Westminster has been involved in two significant accidents, both of which were preventable.
The primary cause of the 1992 accident was the vessel not following departing procedures properly.
Poor communication between the terminal and ship crew members was also a contributing factor.
In both incidents, the accidents occurred while vehicle loading was in progress at the Departure Bay terminal.
The Queen of New Westminster pulled out of her berth before the vehicle loading ramps were secure, leading to devastating consequences.
The 1971 accident resulted in the occupants of a car being rescued after it fell into the water, but fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.
In contrast, the 1992 accident was much more tragic, resulting in the deaths of three people and serious injuries to one other.
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Impact on Passengers

The MV Queen of New Westminster accidents had a significant impact on passengers.
The ferry was carrying 144 passengers and crew members when it ran aground on December 22, 2006, and again on February 5, 2007. The vessel was severely damaged in both incidents.
Many passengers were shaken by the experience, and some reported feeling frightened and disoriented. The ferry's sudden loss of power and subsequent grounding caused chaos on board.
Some passengers were forced to abandon ship, while others were rescued by emergency responders. The ferry's crew worked tirelessly to ensure everyone's safety.
The MV Queen of New Westminster accidents served as a wake-up call for the ferry industry, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
Service Status
The Queen of New Westminster is back in service after a 200-day repair period, a relief for BC Ferries as demand for the vessel is high, especially during spring break and long weekends.

The vessel was pulled from service in September due to mechanical issues, including the shearing off of one of its propellers.
The repairs cost $5.5 million, on top of scheduled refit costs, resulting in an estimated $8.5 million in lost revenue.
BC Ferries is urging travelers to book in advance as much as possible to avoid disruptions, especially during busy periods.
Recent News
The Queen of New Westminster ferry has finally returned to service after a lengthy 200-day repair period. The vessel was pulled from service in September due to a significant failure in its propulsion system.
BC Ferries spent $5.5 million on unexpected repairs, in addition to scheduled refit expenses, which resulted in roughly $8.5 million in lost revenue. The extended absence of the Queen of New Westminster put strain on other vessels in the fleet.
The Queen of New Westminster will cover 16 of 23 affected sailings between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, though it will be with reduced capacity due to being a smaller vessel. Additional scheduling changes will impact the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay-Langdale sailings over Easter weekend.
BC Ferries is advising travelers to plan ahead for spring break by booking sailings in advance and regularly checking updated sailing schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the queen of the New Westminster ferry?
The Queen of New Westminster ferry was launched in 1964, making it over 58 years old. It has undergone significant renovations and extensions throughout its long service history.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Queen_of_New_Westminster
- https://www.bcferries.com/on-the-ferry/our-fleet/queen-of-new-westminster/QNWM
- https://globalnews.ca/news/11082623/queen-of-new-westminster-bc-ferries/
- https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/03/14/bc-ferries-vessel-back-in-service-after-six-months/
- https://cheknews.ca/queen-of-new-westminster-ferry-back-in-operation-after-lengthy-repairs-1244124/
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