16.49°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

stephen-harper-praises-carneys-trade-diversification-and-energy-policies
CanadaSep 16, 2026

Stephen Harper Praises Carney’s Trade Diversification and Energy Policies

Former Canadian Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has praised Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to diversify Canada’s trade during his closing remarks at the two-day Canada Investment Summit in Toronto. Harper supported the federal government’s decisions in the energy sector and said Canada had little choice but to step back from trade negotiations with the United States. He said reducing Canada’s dependence on the U.S. and redirecting trade toward other countries would bring challenges, but expressed confidence that Canadians would be able to manage them. Harper also prais
poilievre-leads-two-day-conservative-caucus-meeting-in-b-c
CanadaSep 16, 2026

Poilievre Leads Two-Day Conservative Caucus Meeting in B.C.

Canada’s Official Opposition Conservative Party has begun a two-day parliamentary caucus meeting in Penticton, B.C., under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. The meeting comes ahead of the parliamentary session starting September 21 and is expected to give Poilievre an opportunity to rally his MPs, as the Conservatives are currently trailing the Liberals by double digits in the polls. According to reports, several Conservative MPs who have returned from working in their ridings during the summer break are increasingly concerned about potentially losing their seats in the next election. Cont
CanadaSep 16, 2026

EU opens talks for Canada to become its first associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed opening talks on making Canada the European Union’s first associate member. The proposal was made Wednesday during von der Leyen’s annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance. Addressing Carney, von der Leyen said the EU wants to take its relationship with Canada “to the highest level.” She said the partnership extends beyond trade and is based on shared values, including cooperation on artificial intelligence, climate change, the Arctic and geopolitical i
carney-signals-visa-talks-for-canadians-during-europe-trip
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union. Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday. During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, s
BCSep 15, 2026

Surrey’s $310M Newton Community Centre Construction Officially Begins

Construction has officially begun on the new Newton Community Centre in Surrey, marking one of the largest investment projects in the city’s history. According to the City of Surrey, construction crews are currently removing the old structures and preparing and levelling the site. Mayor Brenda Locke said the 175,000-square-foot modern community hub will bring a major transformation to Newton by bringing recreation, cultural and library services together under one roof. The $310-million project near King George Boulevard will feature a 50-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool, two gymnasiums, a

Related News