Post by Scott on Jun 13, 2006 17:52:53 GMT -8
C B C . C A N e w s - F u l l S t o r y :
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B.C. ferry safety practices 'inadequate', ex-director claims in suit
Last Updated Tue, 13 Jun 2006 17:12:23 EDT
CBC News
BC Ferries' former head of safety is suing the corporation for breach of contract, accusing the company of ignoring his warnings about safety problems in the days before a ferry sank in March.
The Queen of the North sank off B.C.'s North Coast on March 22, leaving two people missing and presumed dead. (CBC)
Capt. Darin Bowland, who resigned just after the Queen of the North sank with two passengers missing and presumed drowned, has filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court.
Bowland, an experienced master mariner, was appointed director of safety, health and environment for BC Ferries in February.
His contract said ensuring the safety of all customers and staff would be a primary concern. But his statement of claim says the company wouldn't let him do his job.
The writ, made public on Tuesday, says he reviewed the company's safety practices and found them "woefully inadequate." And Bowland says he warned senior management "there was a strong likelihood of catastrophic incidents" if those procedures were not improved.
But he says BC Ferries ignored his advice, recommendations and warnings.
Attempts to probe sinking were blocked, Bowland alleges
Bowland says that after the Queen of the North sank on B.C.'s North Coast on March 22, senior management took away his contractual duty to investigate the accident and undermined his authority.
He resigned a week after the ferry hit a rock at Gil Island while en route from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. Ninety-nine people were rescued but two passengers were never found.
Bowland is accusing BC Ferries of making "inaccurate, false and misleading" statements about his duties.
BC Ferries has yet not filed a statement of defence, and a spokesperson says the company will not be commenting publicly.
Copyright ©2006 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - All Rights Reserved
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B.C. ferry safety practices 'inadequate', ex-director claims in suit
Last Updated Tue, 13 Jun 2006 17:12:23 EDT
CBC News
BC Ferries' former head of safety is suing the corporation for breach of contract, accusing the company of ignoring his warnings about safety problems in the days before a ferry sank in March.
The Queen of the North sank off B.C.'s North Coast on March 22, leaving two people missing and presumed dead. (CBC)
Capt. Darin Bowland, who resigned just after the Queen of the North sank with two passengers missing and presumed drowned, has filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court.
Bowland, an experienced master mariner, was appointed director of safety, health and environment for BC Ferries in February.
His contract said ensuring the safety of all customers and staff would be a primary concern. But his statement of claim says the company wouldn't let him do his job.
The writ, made public on Tuesday, says he reviewed the company's safety practices and found them "woefully inadequate." And Bowland says he warned senior management "there was a strong likelihood of catastrophic incidents" if those procedures were not improved.
But he says BC Ferries ignored his advice, recommendations and warnings.
Attempts to probe sinking were blocked, Bowland alleges
Bowland says that after the Queen of the North sank on B.C.'s North Coast on March 22, senior management took away his contractual duty to investigate the accident and undermined his authority.
He resigned a week after the ferry hit a rock at Gil Island while en route from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. Ninety-nine people were rescued but two passengers were never found.
Bowland is accusing BC Ferries of making "inaccurate, false and misleading" statements about his duties.
BC Ferries has yet not filed a statement of defence, and a spokesperson says the company will not be commenting publicly.
Copyright ©2006 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - All Rights Reserved
