SUV drives off dock at Mill Bay Ferry terminal. 89-year-old Saanich man pronounced deceased at the scene.

UPDATE: A 89 year old male has been pronounced deceased after his vehicle plunged into the water off the Mill Bay ferry terminal on Friday morning. The RCMP West Coast Marine Service and the Vancouver Island District RCMP Underwater Recovery with the assistance of the Mill Bay Fire Department, were successful in recovering the driver and only occupant, along with his vehicle from the water.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the deceased as John William Barton, aged 89, from Saanich.

An RCMP Dive Team found Mr. Barton still in his vehicle in about 20 metres of water. He was deceased at the scene. The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death.

BC Ferries said the shore-side ramp was in a raised position. After breaking through the closed gate, the vehicle traveled down the trestle and launched itself off the ramp into the water.

One woman who saw the incident told the Times Colonist the vehicle hit the barrier at high speed and was launched into the air off the ramp. It hit the water and sank quickly. She saw a small oil slick marking the place where the vehicle went under.

“Whoever was driving the vehicle was acting with intent,” said B.C. Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall. “It’s quite a tragic incident.” According to Captain Jamie Marshall of BC Ferries, it appears to have been a deliberate act, as the vehicle broke through a secure barrier and over the apron that had been stowed in the upright position.

The RCMP West Coast Marine Services and the Vancouver Island District RCMP Underwater Recovery Team worked to extract the vehicle and the victim from the water. Preliminary reports indicated the SUV was occupied only by the driver.

The M.V. Klitsa had departed the terminal bound for Brentwood Bay approximately five minutes earlier and was about a mile and a half out in the inlet at the time of the incident. It deployed its rescue boat, while other boats also arrived to assist and divers were sent in.

Shawnigan Lake RCMP, Coast Guard Hovercraft, fire fighters and ambulance attended the scene.

The Mill Bay Ferry Dock will remain closed and ferry sailings cancelled until tomorrow morning. Motorists can use an alternate route via Highway #17 and Highway #1 for the day. According to BC Ferries the M.V. Klitsa will resume service as per the regular posted schedule on Saturday September 19, 2015.

The RCMP and BC Coroner’s Service are now investigating.