Two "belligerent passengers who refused to wear masks" delayed the Queen of Surrey for 50 minutes Sunday afternoon.
"The passengers then stated that they were exempt from our mandatory mask policy and refused to show proof when asked, stating that they did not have to," said BC Ferries' executive director of public affairs Deborah Marshall in an email. "They became argumentative and the vessel called the police to attend. Police spoke with the passengers and they agreed to comply by remaining in their vehicle for the duration of the voyage."
The passengers were on the 4:20 p.m. Queen of Surrey sailing from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay Dec. 12.
"To ensure a safe travel experience for passengers and crew, masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces for passengers five and older at BC Ferries. This includes indoor areas onboard BC Ferries vessels and at terminals," said Marshall, adding that they ask customers to continue heeding provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's advice to be kind, calm and safe. "BC Ferries does not tolerate any abuse, including verbal abuse, towards its employees. Any customer who abuses an employee can be denied service."