News release

Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report (M22A0258) into the fire and flooding on board the Holiday Island ferry near Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island. As a result of the investigation, the TSB is issuing a recommendation to Transport Canada. It is also launching a national safety issue investigation into vessel fires and emergency response across Canada’s marine sector (M24A0348).

On July 22, 2022, a fire broke out in the engine room of the Holiday Island after a non-standard repair made to the ferry’s fuel injection system failed and caused fuel to spray onto hot engine components and ignite. All passengers and non-essential crew members were safely evacuated, and a large-scale emergency response followed. Despite efforts from responders, the fire could not be extinguished, and the vessel was eventually abandoned. On July 24, 2022, once the fire had stopped, the vessel was towed to the Wood Islands terminal and later declared a constructive total loss.

One of the key issues uncovered in the investigation was the confusion surrounding the role of the authorized representative, the person legally responsible for a vessel’s safety. In this case, the Minister of Transport held this role, with operational responsibilities shared between Transport Canada and Northumberland Ferries Limited through a charter agreement. However, the investigation found that many staff at both organizations were unsure of what the role entailed and who was ultimately responsible for carrying out those obligations. The lack of clarity extended into critical areas such as operations, emergency repairs, and oversight. This investigation, along with others before it, has identified a lack of understanding and awareness of the roles and responsibilities of authorized representatives in the industry.

Therefore, the Board recommends that

These issues are not unique to the Holiday Island. They reflect long-standing, systemic safety gaps the TSB has raised for decades, specifically around role clarity, oversight accountability, and emergency preparedness in Canada’s marine sector. This investigation adds to a growing list of vessel fires overwhelming a crew’s ability to respond, highlighting the risks and urgent need for more effective response capabilities when every second counts.

“Our national safety issue investigation opens the door to a national conversation on vessel fire safety to ensure that every person who steps aboard any vessel in Canada can do so with confidence that systems are in place to protect them,” explains Yoan Marier, Chair of the TSB.

The TSB will be engaging marine operators, firefighting services, ports and harbours, and other key partners across the country to build a clearer understanding of how vessel fires are currently managed and identify the gaps in Canada’s preparedness for marine emergencies.

Together, the findings of this investigation, its recommendation, and the broader safety issue investigation that we are launching today have the potential to drive real change and make Canada’s marine industry safer for everyone.