In what maritime officials are calling a shocking display of recklessness, authorities have launched an investigation after video footage captured a personal watercraft operator deliberately maneuvering beneath a massive BC Ferries vessel near Vancouver Island. The incident, which occurred last weekend during peak summer traffic, has raised serious concerns about marine safety in British Columbia’s busy coastal waters.
The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, shows the water scooter rider approaching the ferry at high speed before disappearing beneath its hull and emerging on the opposite side. Ferry passengers who witnessed the dangerous stunt described it as heart-stopping and immediately alerted crew members.
“This isn’t just illegal—it’s potentially fatal,” said Staff Sergeant Janelle Thompson of the West Shore RCMP Marine Division. “The area beneath a ferry contains powerful propulsion systems that can create unpredictable currents and suction forces. One mechanical failure or miscalculation would likely result in catastrophic consequences.”
BC Ferries spokesperson Devon Williams confirmed the incident occurred on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route, one of the busiest maritime corridors in the province. “Our vessels displace thousands of tons of water and create significant turbulence that isn’t always visible from the surface,” Williams explained. “Our captains and crew followed all proper protocols once the incident was reported, but this type of behavior presents extraordinary dangers that are difficult to mitigate.”
Marine safety experts point out that such stunts violate multiple regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, which prohibits “dangerous operation of vessels” and mandates maintaining safe distances from commercial marine traffic. Penalties can include fines exceeding $10,000 and potential criminal charges if negligence is determined.
This isn’t the first instance of recreational watercraft users engaging in risky behavior around BC’s ferry system. Last summer, authorities documented seventeen separate incidents involving personal watercraft operating dangerously close to commercial vessels in the Georgia Strait alone, prompting calls for enhanced enforcement and stricter licensing requirements.
The Transport Safety Board of Canada has identified increased incidents involving recreational vessels as a growing concern in busy shipping channels. “We’ve seen a troubling uptick in these types of dangerous interactions,” said marine safety investigator Carina Liu. “Personal watercraft are highly maneuverable but often operated by individuals who lack understanding of maritime rules and the physics involved when interacting with large vessels.”
Local marine tour operator James McKenzie, who has worked in BC waters for over twenty years, expressed frustration at the incident. “Those of us who make our living on these waters respect them and the vessels that share them. This kind of stunt doesn’t just endanger the individual—it risks the lives of ferry passengers and crew, creates unnecessary stress for captains, and can trigger emergency responses that divert resources from legitimate emergencies.”
The RCMP Marine Division has obtained high-resolution copies of the video and is working with BC Ferries to identify the watercraft operator. Authorities are also requesting additional witnesses to come forward with any information or additional footage.
As summer water recreation season reaches its peak in British Columbia, this incident raises important questions about the balance between enjoying coastal waterways and ensuring public safety: How can authorities better enforce existing regulations without restricting legitimate access to our shared marine spaces?
