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Marine transportation safety investigation M13M0287

The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was released 29 January 2015.

Table of contents

Vessel Princess of Acadia lost power and ran aground

Roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel Princess of Acadia
Approaching the Digby ferry terminal
Digby, Nova Scotia

View final report

The occurrence

On 07 November 2013, the passenger ferry "PRINCESS OF ACADIA" ran aground while approaching the wharf at Digby, NS. No injuries or pollution reported.


Media materials

Deployment notice

07 November 2013

TSB deploys a team of investigators to Digby, Nova Scotia where the vessel Princess of Acadia lost power and ran aground

DARTMOUTH, NS, Nov. 7, 2013 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Digby, Nova Scotia where the vessel Princess of Acadia lost power and ran aground while approaching the wharf. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.


Investigation information

Map showing the location of the occurrence


Class of investigation

This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

TSB investigation process

There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

  1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
  2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
  3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

For more information, see our Investigation process page.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.