13.8°C Vancouver

Sep 6, 2024 8:11 PM - The Canadian Press

Propeller falls off BC Ferries vessel, spilling 800 litres of oil

Share On
propeller-falls-off-bc-ferries-vessel-spilling-800-litres-of-oil
BC Ferries says the type of oil leaked "disperses quickly in the marine environment" and no oil sheens have been detected as a result of the spill from the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

About 800 litres of light hydraulic oil have spilled into the sea from a BC Ferries vessel after one of its propellers fell off this week.

BC Ferries says the type of oil leaked "disperses quickly in the marine environment" and no oil sheens have been detected as a result of the spill from the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster.

The company says it is working with the Canadian Coast Guard to take "all appropriate measures" to mitigate possible impact to the environment.

BC Ferries says in a statement that the Queen of New Westminster was taken out of service from its route between Metro Vancouver and Greater Victoria earlier this week after an inspection found a propeller had "sheared off from its propulsion shaft."

All of the vessel's sailings up to Sept. 30 have been cancelled until repairs can be made.

BC Ferries says it will try to accommodate passengers booked on the Queen of New Westminster on other vessels and will add sailings using different ferries "where possible."

Latest news

CanadaJul 02, 2026

U.S. declines to extend CUSMA in current form, annual reviews likely

The United States has declined to extend the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in its current form, a move that could subject the continental trade pact to annual reviews and renewed negotiations. The announcement was made Wednesday by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer following a virtual meeting with Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, the decision reflects concerns over shortcomings in the agreement and the United States' trade deficit. Under the agreement's existing terms, C
modi-iranian-president-pezeshkian-discuss-west-asia-situation-in-phone-call
IndiaJun 30, 2026

Modi, Iranian President Pezeshkian discuss West Asia situation in phone call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing the latest developments in West Asia and possible paths forward in the region. According to the Government of India, Pezeshkian briefed Modi on recent developments and the current situation in the region.During the conversation, Modi welcomed progress between Iran and the United States and reiterated India's long-standing position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India has consistently advocated for peace and stability in
alberta-to-unveil-next-phase-of-proposed-west-coast-oil-pipeline-on-july-2
AlbertaJun 30, 2026

Alberta to unveil next phase of proposed West Coast oil pipeline on July 2

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to announce new details Thursday about a proposed oil pipeline that would transport crude from Alberta to Canada's West Coast. Samuel Blackett, the premier's press secretary, confirmed Monday that Smith will outline the next steps for the project, which is being proposed with a capacity of one million barrels of oil per day. The proposal falls under an Energy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached last year between the Alberta and federal governments. Under the agreement, the province had until July 1 to submit its proposal to the Major Projects Of
immigration-department-says-unclear-guidance-led-to-recall-of-some-citizenship-certificates
CanadaJun 30, 2026

Immigration department says unclear guidance led to recall of some citizenship certificates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says unclear departmental guidance on applications for citizenship by descent may have resulted in some people receiving proof of Canadian citizenship without sufficient supporting evidence. The department said 100 people were asked to surrender their citizenship certificates after a routine review identified cases issued under Bill C-3 that had "potentially insufficient supporting documentation." The explanation and the number of affected cases were released 17 days after the initial notices were sent to certificate holders. Federal officials said
carney-to-attend-nato-summit-in-turkey-then-visit-saudi-arabia-for-trade-talks
CanadaJun 30, 2026

Carney to attend NATO summit in Turkey, then visit Saudi Arabia for trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Turkey next week to attend the NATO summit before making an official visit to Saudi Arabia, marking his first trips to both countries as prime minister. NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara on July 7 and 8 as alliance members discuss increased defence spending and plans to meet a target of spending five per cent of gross domestic product on defence and security by 2035. The benchmark follows years of pressure from the United States for member countries to increase military spending. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Carney has been urgi

Related News