Communiqués

TSB # M06/2005

(Gatineau, Quebec, July 7, 2005) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) continues its investigation into the June 30, 2005 mechanical failure and loss of power of BC Ferries' Queen of Oak Bay.

A TSB investigation goes beyond determining the cause of an accident, to determine why an accident happened, and most importantly, how to prevent this type of accident from happening in the future. Such an investigation cannot be made in a matter of days.

TSB investigators may look into issues such as pertinent company, vessel and government records; test selected components and systems; analyze data; and reconstruct events. In addition, they must look at all information before coming to any conclusions. The TSB will take the time needed to ensure a thorough investigation in order to identify safety deficiencies.

At this time, TSB investigators are still gathering information. This will be followed by an analysis of the information before drawing any conclusions. However, if important safety deficiencies are uncovered, the Board will not wait for the release of a final report to inform industry, the regulator, and the public.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

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