Mill Bay ferry terminal closed after car plunges into ocean

BC Ferries has cancelled all sailings Friday at its Mill Bay terminal after a car plunged off a loading bay into the ocean. Sept. 18, 2015. (CTV)

BC Ferries cancelled all sailings at its Mill Bay terminal Friday after a car plunged off a loading bay into the ocean.

A white SUV crashed through a secure gate fell into the water and quickly sank around 8 a.m.

The RCMP said preliminary reports indicate there was only one person inside the vehicle.

“The shore side ramp was in a raised position as per usual procedure. After breaking through the closed gate, the vehicle travelled down the trestle and launched itself off the ramp into the water,” a statement from BC Ferries stated.

The ferry, bound for Brentwood Bay, across Finlayson Arm on southern Vancouver Island, had left the dock 10 minutes earlier.

The vessel was approximately a mile and a half out of the inlet, and it turned around and launched a rescue boat after the crew realized what happened.

The small terminal is normally unstaffed.

The Coast Guard Hovercraft, Shawnigan Lake RCMP and fire crews all descended on the terminal to help, as well as the volunteer-run Brentwood Bay and Mill Bay Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Stations. The coroner was also called out.

RCMP are still trying to determine whether the incident is an accident.

“Obviously our hearts go out to the families involved in this tragic event. Other than that this is an RCMP situation now,” said Captain Jamie Marshall.

“Until the authorities give us the ability to resume service we have suspended service.”

The MV Klitsa makes nine trips daily between Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay.