Story
This ferry, passenger/car was built in 1965 by Victoria Machinery Depot Co. Ltd..
Historical Notes
This vessel was a double-ender design. 50 car and 240 passenger capacity for islands service.
In 1965 her keel was laid by the Honourable F.X. Richter.
In 1965 this vessel was launched by Mrs. R.W. Bonner.
In 1965 her approximate cost $1.1 million.
In 1966 her inaugural run was under Captain L. I. Jones. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada reports that "on 13/04/2002 At around 1820, whilst discharging cars at Gabriola Island, British Columbia, the Bowen Queen spontaneously backed off the dock, causing the shore-mounted vehicle ramp to fall below the level of the vessel's vehicle deck. There was a gap of about four metres between the ferry and the ramp, however the deck crew acted promptly to stop the discharge of vehicles. There was no injury."
Owners & Masters
In 1965-1967 she was owned by the British Columbia Ferry Authority, Victoria BC Canada.
In 1970-1975 she was owned by the Minister of Highways (Ferries Division-B.C. Ferries), Victoria BC Canada.
In 1976-1977 she was owned by Minister of Transport & Communications, Victoria BC Canada.
In 1978-1988 she was owned by the British Columbia Ferry Corporation, Victoria BC Canada.
In 1989-1990 she was owned by the Minister of Finance, Victoria BC Canada.
In 1991-2001 she was owned by the British Columbia Ferry Corporation, Victoria BC Canada.
In 2003-2024 she was owned by British Columbia Ferry Services Ltd., Victoria BC Canada.
Masters
Captain L.I. Jones (1966)
Rebuilds
In 1979 her capacity enlarged to 70 cars and re-engined with a Z-drive engine and propeller.
Repower
Repowered with 4-900bhp diesel engines (2004c)
References
- Cadieux & Griffiths (1967)
- Canada List of Shipping
- www.tsb.gc.ca ↗
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