SNUNEYMUXW TERRITORY, Nanaimo, BC – March 24, 2025 – On Sunday, March 23, 2025, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Hullo responded to a marine distress call involving a 32-foot landing craft that had run aground near Snake Island, northeast of Nanaimo. Four people were safely rescued in a coordinated effort involving Hullo, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
HULLO’S RESPONSE
The Hullo crew aboard the fast-ferry Spuhéls responded immediately upon receiving the distress call. Thanks to the vessel’s high-speed capabilities, the Hullo crew arrived on scene within 10 minutes after the Victoria Coast Guard requested assistance from vessels in the area.
Upon arrival, the Hullo crew deployed their rescue boat and found all four people had made it to the beach on Snake Island. The crew performed first aid wellness checks on all four individuals and confirmed no medical attention was required.
Hullo’s rescue boat remained at the scene until Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue arrived and transported the four people back to Nanaimo. Hullo’s second vessel, Sthuqi’, was also on the scene to offer additional support but was released by the Coast Guard to proceed to Nanaimo once sufficient resources were available.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
As a fast-ferry service operating in coastal waters, Hullo vessels are equipped with comprehensive safety equipment and crews conduct regular rescue drills to ensure readiness for emergency situations. This preparation proved valuable in Sunday’s rescue operation.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of having well-trained crews and properly equipped vessels operating in our coastal waters. Our team’s quick response and professional handling of this situation reflects the high standards we maintain for emergency preparedness,” said Capt. Steven Carroll, Hullo Marine Operations Superintendent and Designated Person Ashore.
This marks the third occasion in the past 12 months where Hullo has assisted in marine emergencies. Similar incidents include a previous rescue near Snake Island earlier this year and notably, Hullo’s response when a seaplane crashed into a pleasure boat in Coal Harbour last year.
ABOUT HULLO
Hullo is a fast ferry service connecting people between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo. With a strong focus on safety, customer experience and innovation, Hullo is committed to transforming the way people travel across the Salish Sea. Learn more: www.hullo.com
