Active Pass
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Active Pass is a body of water in the Pacific Ocean separating Mayne Island and Galiano Island in British Columbia, Canada's Strait of Georgia. The pass stretches 5.5 km from northeast to southwest.
It was named for the Activa, a United States survey vessel, which navigated the pass in 1855.[1] Currently, the pass is used by BC Ferries' passenger and vehicle ferry runs between B.C.'s Lower Mainland, the southern Gulf Islands and Swartz Bay on southern Vancouver Island. It is also used by pleasure craft, fishing boats, freighters and freight ferries. A variety of wildlife may be seen in the pass, including harbour seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.
[edit] Accidents in Active Pass
- On August 2, 1970, three people aboard the BC Ferry Queen of Victoria perished and the ship itself suffered close to $1 million damage when a Russian Freighter Sergey Yesinin struck it in Active Pass.[2]
- On August 9, 1979, the BC Ferry Queen of Alberni ran aground at Collinson Reef in Active Pass, causing the vessel to tip dramatically to one side. Extensive vehicle and ship damage occurred, as well as the casualty of a racehorse.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ "Active Pass". Encyclopedia of British Columbia. Harbour Publishing. 2000.
- ^ a b Bannerman, Gary and Patricia. The Ships of British Columbia. pp.109-110. Hancock House. 1985