The head of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union hopes today's release of the Transportation Safety Board report on the sinking of the Queen of the North brings closure for some of those who were aboard the ship when it was lost two years ago.
Just after midnight on March 22nd, 2006, the ferry failed to make a crucial course change, slammed into a large island about 175 kilometres south of Prince Rupert and sank in less than an hour.
Three of the bridge crew were subsequently fired by B.C. Ferries, which had sworn statements indicating the female deck hand acting as quartermaster was actually alone on the bridge, which she denied.
Union president Jackie Miller says she has spoken to many of the crew who were aboard that night and she hopes the TSB report brings them and others some closure.
Ninety-nine passengers and crew survived the wreck, but a B.C. couple on their first ever ferry trip failed to make it to safety.
Their children are suing B.C. Ferries, and a class action lawsuit launched by a group of passengers is also pending.
