Boaters and kayakers rescued by BC Ferries crew in Gulf Islands
Kayakers capsized while trying to rescue passengers of sunken boat
Four stranded boaters and two kayakers who tried to rescue them all had to be saved by a BC Ferries crew after a series of mishaps near Mayne Island on Sunday morning.
The Spirit of Vancouver Island was called into action at 9:45 a.m. after a small motor boat sank, sending four people into the water, according to BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall.
Two nearby kayakers tried to help, but they both capsized.
A rescue boat was launched from the ferry, and all six people were pulled from the water.
"Everybody is fine, although they are quite cold from being in the water for a period of time," Marshall said.
The four boaters were transferred to a coast guard vessel, while the kayakers were taken to shore.
By noon, the ferry was running about 20 minutes behind schedule on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route.
"I think our customers today will be able to appreciate that we were able to render some assistance and help some folks out," Marshall said.