One person was inside car that sped off B.C. ferry into icy water

A vehicle sped off this Gabriola Island ferry and plunged into the water on March 20, 2013. (Murray Titus)

Police say one person was inside the vehicle that plunged into the water off Gabriola Island after speeding onto a B.C. ferry.

Service between Nanaimo and the B.C. Gulf Island was suspended Wednesday morning after the bizarre single-vehicle accident.

At around 3:45 a.m. the vehicle sped through a steel barrier gate at the Descanso Bay terminal on Gabriola Island and drove onto the ramp of the MV Quinsam, which was moored for the night.

The vehicle then sped through the vessel’s deck and launched into the water, according to BC Ferries.

RCMP said the vehicle sank in approximately 165 feet of water.

Coast Guard members and RCMP spent the day searching the cold waters off Gabriola Island for the vehicle and the person inside.

BC Ferries has arranged for water taxis to shuttle foot passengers.