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No word yet on why ferry anchor went overboard

Spirit of British Columbia’s anchor and its huge chain flew into the sea on Nov. 2, forcing the vessel to a stop
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B.C. Ferries' Spirit of British Columbia near Mayne Island on a recent sailing. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

The reason why one of the anchors on the Spirit of British Columbia ferry flew overboard, hauling along its huge chain, is still unknown. “Our investigation into the root cause of the inadvertent release of the anchor is underway,” B.C. Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said Tuesday.

Passengers at the front of the ferry were startled Friday when a big anchor on the ferry suddenly came loose. The ferry halted between Mayne and Galiano islands where crew members were eventually able to retrieve the anchor. The ferry, which had departed from Swartz Bay, continued to Tsawwassen. 

The ferry is back in service.

cjwilson@timescolonist.com