Three men bound for Vancouver Island were arrested by Sidney RCMP last Saturday after they allegedly refused to wear masks and threatened passengers aboard a BC Ferries vessel.
On September 24th, at approximately 8:35 p.m., Sidney RCMP were called to attended the Spirit of British Columbia ferry which was inbound from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, after it was reported that three man had become aggressive toward other passengers.
According to a media release from RCMP, the three men became aggressive after they were confronted by passengers and BC ferries officials for not wearing a mask.
Officers boarded the vessel and located the men who were arrested without incident.
All three men have since been released pending a court date in December—all have conditions to stay off of BC Ferries property.
“The Provincial mandates are in place to protect the public and help control the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Corporal Andres Sanchez media relations officer at the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP.
“These individuals defied the direction of the trained crew members who’s job is first and foremost to keep passengers safe. These three men took it upon themselves to put others health at risk by refusing to wear the masks on a crowded voyage and when confronted on their behaviour, threatened others,” said Sanchez.
The mask mandate was reinstated on BC Ferries vessels on August 25th. Passengers 12 and older are required to wear masks in all indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status, unless they are inside a vehicle or consuming food or drinks in a designated area.
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