SALISH HERON

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Ferry lost anchor

En route from Tsawwassen to Salt Spring, the 'Salish Heron' suffered an unexpected release of one of its two anchors into the waters near the Triconmali Channel on the morning of Aug 12, 2025. An investigation into the cause, whether it was mechanical or human error, was launched. Passengers reported a massive shuddering of the vessel and a huge metallic screeching sound. There was a strong smell of smoke, caused by the brakes, throughout the vessel. The crew stopped propulsion right away and carried out checks. There was a brief announcement about 10 minutes later, informing pasengers that there had been a spontaneous release of the anchor and an anchor drop, and that the anchor was lost. The vessel’s second anchor was tested and was found to be fully operational, so it was safe to continue on to Salt Spring Island, where technicians carried out further testings to confirm the cause.

Several sailings cancelled

'Crew availability' was listed as reason for multiple cancellations on Agu 20, 2022. At least a dozen B.C. Ferries sailings along the South Coast were cancelled. As of noon, 12 sailings had been cancelled. A further nine sailings were at risk of cancellation between Swartz Bay, Mayne Island, Pender Island and Tsawwassen. B.C. Ferries later announced modified schedules for the 'Mayne Queen' and 'Salish Heron' to help travellers get to their destinations. The morning cancellations included four sailings between Tsawwassen on the mainland and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Later, B.C. Ferries cancelled the sailings on Aug 21 and 22 on the 'Northern Sea Wolf' between Bella Coola and Port Hardy due to a mechanical issue with the main engine on the vessel.