I am writing in response to the Nov. 4 Saanich BԪַ editorial concerning the Transport Canada regulation prohibiting passengers from remaining in vehicles accommodated on enclosed car decks.
I would draw your attention to the fact that the editorial contains incorrect information with specific reference to the sentence that begins BԪַAnd while there is no record of anyone being killed as a result of being trapped on the lower deck of a BC FerryBԪַBԪַ I draw your attention to the following incident. In August 1970 the BC Ferry BԪַQueen of VictoriaBԪַ was in collision with the Soviet freighter BԪַSergey YeseninBԪַ and three ferry passengers were killed including two who were in their vehicle on the enclosed car deck.
Following this incident, and for many years after, BC FerryBԪַs departure announcements encouraged passengers not to remain in their vehicles during the crossing and this incident formed the basis of that request.
Enclosed car decks are indeed not safe places for passengers to inhabit not only due to potential injury from collision but also from fire and asphyxiation, so while you may choose to disagree with the imposition of this prohibition during the COVID19 pandemic, the basis for this rule is indeed quite sound.
Murray Armstrong
Saanich