Marine Link
Friday, March 29, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Oak Bay News

11 May 2015

BC Ferries’ First-Ever Cable Ferry Named

BC Ferries unveiled the name of its newest vessel and first-ever cable ferry, Baynes Sound Connector, at an official naming ceremony at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver on 9th May. The 78.5 metre ferry – named after the channel it will regularly cross – is scheduled to enter service later this summer, and accommodate up to 50 vehicles and 150 passengers while operating between Buckley Bay and Denman Island. Using one drive cable and two guide cables, Baynes Sound Connector, will also be one of the longest cable ferries in the world, traversing a distance of approximately 1900 metres, and capable of speeds of up to 8.5 knots.

23 Jan 2013

Canadian Marine Training Centre Opens

The Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre (IMTARC) located in Esquimalt, BC, is officially opened. The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic persification (WD), joined provincial and local representatives to officially open the Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre (IMTARC). "We recognize that the shipbuilding and marine industry in British Columbia is set to grow significantly in the coming years and that this coordinated training centre will play an integral part in positioning BC for success," said Minister Yelich. Total economic activity in BC’s shipbuilding industry is expected to grow from $450 million to $1.4 billion, with the number of jobs increasing from 3,000 to 5,000.

07 Jan 2009

Cement Barge Washes Ashore in Oak Bay

A Jan. 1, Vancouver Sun report stated that a 197 ft barge went aground in Oak Bay on New Year’s morning. The barge grounded in the waves of Enterprise Channel, the narrow body of water between Trial Island and Oak Bay. (Source: Vancouver Sun)

01 Jul 2005

Ferry Loses Power and Runs Aground

Queen of Oak Bay, a ferry operated by BC Ferries and sails between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay, ran aground while approaching Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia. The vessel drifted into Sewell’s Marina, damaging several boats. Preliminary reports are that the vessel lost power. An investigation is currently underway. Emergency-response divers have completed their work at the grounding site of the Queen of Oak Bay. No injuries have been reported. Emergency and regulatory authorities have been contacted. Tugs are standing by and passengers onboard the Queen of Oak Bay will be released as soon as possible. BC Ferries’ President and CEO, David L. Hahn, is onsite to speak to customers and inspect the vessel.

18 Jul 2007

Queen of Oak Bay Returns to Service

The Queen of Oak Bay is scheduled to return to service on BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route on July 20, 2007. Repairs to a gear box are expected to be complete on Thursday, July 19, 2007, and after a full inspection by Transport Canada representatives, the vessel will undergo vigorous sea trials before returning to full service. The Queen of Esquimalt will provide extra service to both the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale and Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay routes on July 19, 2007. BC Ferries’ full summer schedule on both of these routes will resume on July 20.