The Follies of BC Ferries

It continues to go from bad to worse for David Hahn and the beleaguered Management squad at BC Ferries, hot on the heels of news that the log books of the Queen of Prince Rupert went missing, is a report on the CBC last night that the log book for the ill fated Queen of the North disappeared as well. A rather unfortunate happening at the least, (and no doubt one that will raise suspicions) since they might have helped in solving the mystery of what happened to that vessel on that night in March.

The public relations scene only got worse last night with the CBC National News investigation by Terry Milewski, as the CBC’s senior reporter on the West Coast, was the first to discover the fact that the books were missing, it’s of interest that this is the first that public has heard that those log books were gone, this despite the fact the ferry sank in March.

Milewski interviewed David Hahn for his piece and asked some rather pointed and tough questions about the Ferry Service and that night in question. Including questions regarding the crew on the bridge that night and whether their inter personal relationships and the training provided had any impact on the nights developments.

The full report can be found on the CBC website and it’s an excellent piece of journalism, the actual news report is available on the site and should be required viewing for anyone who takes a ferry in BC. It should also raise some serious eyebrows in Victoria about how the Ferry Service is working these days.

The latest development is yet another problem in what seems like a never ending stream of problems at the ferry service. Whether it’s missing log books, or ships that are pulled out of service due to mechanical problems, the integrity of the service and the respect that British Columbians have for their Ferries is being very sorely tested.

The time is obviously at hand for a complete and thorough investigation of all facets of the service, from management and staff to the union workers, something seems very amiss at BC Ferries, and it’s not just a matter of a couple of log books.

It perhaps may be time for Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon to partake in less baiting of the Opposition and take a more active interest in what’s happening along his coastline.