On Sunday morning, the MV Harbour Princess, a vessel operated by Harbour Cruises, ran aground near Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. The collision occurred around 11:30 a.m. when the boat struck rocks east of Point Atkinson. The incident prompted the marine rescue coordination centre to take immediate action. Fortunately, the damage to the vessel was reported to be minor, though one passenger sustained minor injuries. In response to the event, Harbour Cruises announced plans for a thorough examination of the ship.
The incident will be investigated by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), which underscores the seriousness with which such accidents are treated. To ensure safety, the MV Harbour Princess will be lifted out of the water for inspection by a third-party entity. Harbour Cruises anticipates that the vessel will be back in service within a week to ten days, demonstrating a commitment to returning to normal operations swiftly.
Graham Clarke, the owner of the Graham Clarke Group, expressed his sympathy towards the affected passengers and acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the incident. The company, established in 1908, has built a reputation grounded in a strong safety record. He remarked on the prompt response of the crew and thanked various emergency services, including the Canadian Coast Guard and the Vancouver Police Department marine squad, for their assistance during the emergency.
In terms of customer service, Harbour Cruises took immediate steps to address the situation, confirming that all passengers affected by the grounding would receive full refunds for their fares. Additionally, passengers who had upcoming bookings will be accommodated on a different vessel, ensuring that the disruption to their plans is minimized. This proactive approach illustrates the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and safety.
The grounding incident raises important conversations surrounding maritime safety and operational protocols. With nearly 120 years of experience, Harbour Cruises’ management highlighted their commitment to maintaining high safety standards. The TSB investigation aims to identify any contributing factors to the accident and implement measures that may prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, the incident with the MV Harbour Princess serves as a reminder of the complexities and inherent risks associated with marine operations. While the immediate response from Harbour Cruises and rescue teams was effective, the focus will now shift to examining the circumstances surrounding the grounding and reinforcing safety measures within the industry.
