Passengers on BC Ferries become ill; two hospitalized

On Saturday, several passengers on a BC Ferries vessel became ill while on board. Two people were taken to the hospital, and many others received medical treatment. According to BC Ferries, the illness occurred in a stairwell where six passengers needed help from paramedics. These passengers had boarded the ship together before falling ill. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also responded to the situation. As a result of the incident, the 1 p.m. sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen was delayed by 55 minutes. BC Ferries announced that this delay would affect other sailings, including those at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. A BC Ferries spokesperson reported that the vessel was cleaned and cleared for service after the incident. They confirmed that it has since resumed normal operations. Further details are being sought from BC Emergency Health Services.