Rescuers say a boat operator fell asleep at the helm when he crashed into the breakwater at a marina in Campbell River.
The 30-foot vessel was travelling at eight knots when it collided with the rocky barrier at Discovery Harbour Marina on Thursday.
It happened just as a BC Ferries vessel was docking in Campbell River and the ferry captain frantically started honking to try to warn the boat operator.
"Our ship did sound its horn to try to alert the operator and unfortunately the vessel did go aground into the breakwater," said BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall.
Rescue officials determined the operator had nodded off when the crash occurred.
Passenger Chris Chambers was on the car deck and began recording video with his phone just as the vessel crashed.
"After he hit the rocks he bounced back and the tide took him into the channel. He was just drifting around out of control," he said.
The ferry crew launched a rescue boat to provide assistance but by then the vessel had backed off from the breakwater.
Marshall said mariners are obligated to assist if they see another vessel in distress.
"Our crews were happy to be able to help out yesterday," she said.
The boat was able to make it back into the marina under its own power and will likely need to undergo some repairs.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre says there were no injuries in the mishap and labelled the accident as a navigational error.
With a report from CTV Vancouver Island's Gord Kurbis
