High winds caused the Queen of Nanaimo to crash into a private float on Mayne Island on Saturday, at around 10:45 a.m. The float received some damage but no injuries were reported among the 22 crew or two passengers on board.
In a news release, BC Ferries said it does not believe the ship ran aground and that the captain and crew followed emergency procedures and deployed both anchors.
The incident occurred as the ship was backing out.
Normally, 200 passengers board the Queen of Nanaimo on Saturday, BC Ferries said, but the weather cancelled the Tsawwassen part of the trip and dissuaded almost all travellers.
The Queen of Nanaimo sails between Tsawwassen and the Gulf Islands.
BC Ferries will be conducting a full investigation into this incident, and the company does not believe there were any mechanical issues with the vessel.
The Queen of Nanaimo will return to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island with the assistance of tugs.