Queen of the North Photo Gallery by BC Ferries and Ships on the BC Coast at pbase.com

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BC Ferries and Ships on the BC Coast | profile | all galleries >> Queen of the North

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Queen of the North

Queen of the North	Queen of Surrey	Queen of the North	Ice in the Deas Dock bay	Queen of the North at Ogden Point
Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Hull form	Queen of the North propeller	Propeller blades
Rudder stock	Propeller Shafts	Queen of the North at Esquimalt Graving Dock	Queen of the North at graving dock	Queen of the North bow
Queen of the North in dry dock	Queen of the North - bridge	Queen of the North - engineering station	Queen of the North	Queen of the North
Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Queen of the North passing Cape Mudge Lighthouse	Queen of the North 03-MAR-2006	Seymour Narrows
Queen of the North 03-MAR-2006	Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Queen of the North passing through Seymour Narrows	Queen of the North passing through Seymour Narrows
Queen of the North	Area of the accident	Complete Northern Ferry Route	Sunset from the Queen of the North	Queen of the North
Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Rescue Boat	North2 008.jpg	Stern
Stern	One of the two lifeboats	Queen of the North	Life raft davit	Life raft davit
Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Queen of the North	Queen of the North
Queen of the North	Port side boat deck	Bow	Rescue Boat and davit	Queen of the North at Deas Dock

guest		01-Jun-2006 20:18
Awesome ship will be missed. Hats off to a brave crew.

Scott		28-May-2006 07:38
Here are some interior shots of the Queen from the design group that refitted her interior in 2000... http://www.jrtad.com/projects/design_comm/queen/index.html

Guest		17-May-2006 06:12
What's the latest on replacing the lovely Queen?

Guest		10-May-2006 20:03
Diane It was a great tragidy what happened to the Queen of the North and her sinking. Written from the perspective of the sister who lost her brother Gerald Foisy and friend Shirley Rosette on the uneventful night. I wish there was more emphasis on making an effort to view the interior of this ship for some form of confirmation on whether their souls remain with her. The focus has been on why it happened who is to blame, the damage it will cause to the environment, but our family can't get someone to take a serious search of the sunken vessel for the bodies of the two who went down with the Queen of the North. There has been no support or assistance with our plea to have a look. Our thanks go out to Hartley Bay Residents in their assistance and support "Thank you".

Guest		06-May-2006 22:43
I rode it once, Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island. Also, the reason they cant salvage it is because its about 1500 feet down.

Woody - Victoria		29-Apr-2006 06:13
The Queen of the North was a good ship and will be missed. I never sailed in her, but had a dockside tour in May 1985 and was impressed. She served as flagship from '85 until (I think) the Spirits of BC and Vancouver Island were commissioned in 1993 and 94 respectively. Should she be raised? I suggested this question for a poll on a Victoria, BC radio station - CFAX 1070. (My answer is number 1.) To see it (votable for April 3 only), go to www.cfax1070.com and click on "News Poll". I don't think it could cost as much as he said ($100M). Thanks for hosting this site.

mike truttman		07-Apr-2006 19:29
what a shame to have such a beautiful boat sink like this. my dad went on this boat in the 70's when it was called the queen of surrey. he said it was beautiful, and he was sad to have it to sink like this. i wanted to go on this ship so bad, now i cant ride it. i live in campbell river, and ive seen that queen of the north go by so many times. i just hope no more ferries sink this way, and if the queen of prince rupert sinks, whats going to happen to bc ferries. this is the only bc ferrey that sank, why cant they lift up the boat from the water and try to fix it. i think it would be just a few dollars maybe more than a million, but this was a nice boat and i hope that those new ferries are just as good as the queen of the north was.

JF Mezei		05-Apr-2006 08:52
I rode the Queen of the North twice (1989 southbound and 1990 northbound). I still have very pleasant memories of not only the ship, but the journey. When I heard the news, I felt a loss. The fact that even after so many years, I felt a loss is a tribute to her legacy. I remember playing deck chair races with friends. Put 2 deck chairs on the side and let the wind push the chairs to the back of the ship. First chair to hit the aft railing won :-) And it was way cool to overtake cruise ships. And at the time, the cabins were still fittedn with european power outlets. (from her german roots) And they served a great chocolate cake !!!!

Jordan		04-Apr-2006 18:30
It is sad to see the Queen of the North go. She was the most beautiful ship in the Dogwood fleet. I was hoping to go on her before her retirement, but sadly that can't happen. Kevin, thank you for your wonderful photos of the Queen. I especially like the ones of her passing through the Seymour Narrows

Guest		02-Apr-2006 21:00
I think that they should raise the vessel then it would not be lost in the ocean and it would tell a lot more to what happend that night.

Don		31-Mar-2006 05:21
If the pictures of the North going through Seymour Narrows were taken in March of 06 it would be me on the helm,sadly I was onboard when it sank ,was a nice ship.

BC Ferries and Ships on the BC Coast		30-Mar-2006 07:33
http://bcfmwu.com/QON_BC_Highways.htm Excellent story on the Queen of the North incident

A Maxwell		30-Mar-2006 05:09
I worked on A watch on the North for about 18 months in 1980 and 81. I have many fond memories of the ship, of falling asleep to the rumble of the engines and the sway of the ocean. It had, in my opinion , the best washroom to read the newspaper in the world in my opinion, a large window right beside the throne looking out onto wherever we were sailing . Hanging out on the Funnel Deck, crew only, gave you an amazing 360 degree view of everything. I learnt Tai Chi in the evenings from Willi Ho on the aft deck outside the restaurant which was definitely not White Spot in those days! It is sad think of her gone, but wonderfull that you've posted these Pictures. Thankyou Alastair

Guest		30-Mar-2006 04:33
I still can't believe she's gone. I was planning to go on a cruise this summer but now that dream has died. She was a wonderful ship and will be missed immensely. God rest the people on board. Good bye forever Queen of the North.

BC Ferries and Ships on the BC Coast		29-Mar-2006 02:39
Video clip of the sunken vessel. http://www.opinion250.com/blogs/news/archive/2006/03/28/8278.aspx

Owen		28-Mar-2006 23:47
We took our truck & 5er Port Hardy to Prince Rupert in July 2003. We departed a little late and arrived on time. Thoroughly enjoyable journey, despite low clouds and rain. We'd happily do that trip again, if we could.

Lynn		28-Mar-2006 08:05
I was lucky enough to once sail on the Queen going north in 1986. I'll never forget it and the ship which made it such a wonderful passage. May the Queen rest in peace and the two who have gone with her.

Drew		26-Mar-2006 01:07
Actualy, two people are feared dead after the Queen of the North sank.

Karen		25-Mar-2006 18:44
My Dad was the Deck Engineer on the Queen of the North from 1980 until he retired in 1999. He had an emotional attachment to this beauty and still can't believe she is gone. He commends the crew and people of Hartly Bay for their brave efforts. Thank you for these wonderful pictures

john		25-Mar-2006 18:39
I was very fortunate last summer to have been asked to perform on the Queen of the North. It was my first time working on a ship. I spent 14 days living on her and have some wonderful memories of her. I took a lot of photos of the ships inside to show everyone at home. A few photos included areas of the ship that the regular passage would never see. (the bridge, crew areas, etc...) I thought it would be a nice tribute to her by sharing my photos and memories. I have posted the photos for everyone on my website. http://www.johngilliat.com/queen%20of%20the%20north.htm

Grant		25-Mar-2006 16:31
What a sad loss of a truly beautiful little ship. She had the classic lines of the original Pacific Princess featured on the TV series "The Love Boat" (not the monstrosity that bears the name today). I live in Oregon now but grew up in Sidney. I would often see the Queen of the North (then the Queen of Surrey) and envoiusly marvel at her beautiful lines while riding on the dowdy Queen of Esquimalt, wishing I could be aboard her instead, heading up to the North Coast! My thoughts and prayers also go out to the families of the two persons lost aboard her.

Guest		25-Mar-2006 06:05
Sad times for 'ferry lovers'….Thank you Kevin, for those beautiful memories! …and thanks to the crew and the people from Hartley Bay for such a brave job! I think it’s important to stay united, focused and positive in such hard times…. As the people from Hearly Bay said: “One heart”! VP

Stimpy		25-Mar-2006 05:44
I have many wonderful memories of the years I worked on the Queen of the North. The thought that I'll never walk the halls of the crew areas again is very hard to take. Working on a live aboard vessel is a unique experience, co-workers quickly become "family "and the ship becomes "home". Our home is gone now but it will always remain in our memories.

Curtis		25-Mar-2006 04:00
It's so sad to see such a beautiful ship become a Prisoner to the Ocean. I am shocked that she went down. I never had the chance to go on her but I know it would have been a great experience. Great Photos Kevin It's so sad to see her go. May this ship be remembered for life by the West Coast of British Columbia, and All the North Coast. One of the new northern ships should be named Queen/Spirit of Hartley Bay.

Guest		24-Mar-2006 23:17
http://www.westcoastferries.ca/ferries/queenofthenorth.html More ferry info. Sad to see she is gone. Lived on the Queen Charlottes for four years in the 80's amd spent many great moments on this ship. Shocking to hear of the loss. A tragedy for certain.

Mystikal		24-Mar-2006 07:00
It is a sad loss of such a beautiful ship,i'm so very glad that everyone was taken off safely. As to why she was so far off course, (roughly 3 miles)only an investigation will tell. I have travelled that passage for many years and there are no rocks readily available, just lots of open water at that point. And well lit with lights guiding the way. it baffles me as to how it happened except pilot error. If you look at the pictures they have three radars on board for night travel. oh well

JST - Kitimat BC		24-Mar-2006 06:58
For those of us living on BC's "north Coast" the Queen of the North was our boat, our lady. Her loss is a tragedy and she will be missed!

Ray		24-Mar-2006 06:08
I will always remember this ship for I took it numerous time as a child. How ironic that just last year I took my own children on it to share my expierances as a child. It will be sadly missed.

Kly		24-Mar-2006 04:44
I have a read that this was a single compartment ship, which in the article I read meant a single compartment below the waterline. I work on a ferry--the M/V Klickitat that is classified as a single compartment ship, which means that stability is comprimised with the flooding of one compartment. We have 6 compartments. Surely, the Queen of the North had several water tight compartments below the waterline.

Guest		24-Mar-2006 04:27
Just remembered...Princess Kathleen back in 1952

Steve		24-Mar-2006 02:34
Harold, no this wasn't the Wickersham but certainly a close relative. (The Wicky was scrapped a few years ago after spending her last years running for an Italian company.) Are any interior pictures of the Queen available, would love to see them. I had hoped to travel on the ship in Match 1997 when visiting Canada (from Australia.) but at the time the Queen of Prince Rupert was on the run to Port Hardy. Enjoyed travelling on her but always believed the Queen of the North was the pick of the two ships.

Guest		24-Mar-2006 01:25
Nice to see that there are some nice surviving pictures of this ship. Although tragic to know it has gone down, it was to be decommissioned in a few years, and I think that this is a much better end for the ship, versus the inevitable scrapping it would have surely faced. Better to keep her here in BC waters and remain a part of west coast shipping history. Can't recall a sinking of this magnitude here (loss of life aside) since the Princess Sophia back in 1918.

Guest		23-Mar-2006 23:45
It's nice to see that some very nice photos remain of this ship. Considering her capacity, it's good to see all escaped safely. Though she was to be decommissioned in a few years, I think that this is a much better end for her, versus the inevitable scrapping she would have faced. At least this way, she will remain a part of west coast shipping history and also remain where she belongs. Darren

Michelle		23-Mar-2006 20:10
Good thing that the crew was well trained in this type of situation, to get everyone (we hope) off safely. What a scarey thing to endure...kudos to all those residents in Hartley Bay that stepped up in this time of need, sure shows the hearts of us Northern B.C. er's as being the biggest around for compassion...may all of you that were on the ship have a safe passage back home.

Jca		23-Mar-2006 19:54
In regards to the Wikersham, The vessle was in fact another ex- Stena vessle called the Stena Britannica. Here is the link to some pictures of the vessle. http://www.faktaomfartyg.com/stena_britannica_1967.htm

Michele Rodgers		23-Mar-2006 17:14
It was wonderful that the crew got everyone off safely. No matter how this happened ... it is so sad to loose such a ship.

Harold		23-Mar-2006 16:00
Atruly beautiful ship. I'm curious tho. Was this ship once the M.V. Wickersham of the Alaska Marine Highway?

Ashley		23-Mar-2006 13:41
What a shame to lose such a beautiful ship. Beautiful classic looks, especially for a ferry. No ferry comes close over here in britain, they are all ugly boxes. I never really knew of this ship until now, and having seen her saddens me as its obvious she has great character. It's great that no one lost their lives. If anything at all positive could be said, perhaps it's that after 35+ years afloat it was a more noble way to go than being scrapped anyway.

alan		23-Mar-2006 10:14
I took her in 71 on my first trip up to Alaska. What a great introduction to the Inside waters. She was gracious and graceful and will be missed.

John		23-Mar-2006 08:16
What a beautiful ship. What a sad day.

Ziggy		23-Mar-2006 05:49
Three cheers for the crew who did such a good job of evacuating everyone. BC should be proud of these guys who often take a lot of abuse from inconsiderate and rude passengers!

Mike B.		23-Mar-2006 05:06
Your picture of her in Seymour Narrows is my favourite, and is very meaningful to me on this incredibly sad day.

Fenklebaum		23-Mar-2006 04:21
Quite a collection you have here, Mr. Stapleton. The Queen of the North will hopefully be remembered for the grace and power she exuded, and not only for her tragic demise. I can think of no finer epitaph for for the Queen of the North than your brilliantly majestic photographs of her sailing through the Seymour Narrows.

Karl		23-Mar-2006 04:12
I am really saddened by this accident. The Queen of the North was a great/beautiful ship. I was on her last Oct for the positioning cruise to Tsawwassen and I really loved the ship. I was hoping to go on her again this summer up the Inside Passage. Glad there was no loss of lives during this incident. She was a great ship and she will be very much missed by all, and who worked and rode on her. And I also feel like I have lost a friend! These are some great photos by the way.! Great photos to remember her by!

Chris		23-Mar-2006 04:06
Yes, thanks Kevin! Very nice photos on here of this ship that BC Ferries has just recently lost! I never got a chance to go for a cruise on this Ferry, but I wish I did! Before I go, I believe you would have a few of the last photos of the Ferry, while she was going Northbound a few weeks ago to be placed on the Port Hardy to Prince Rupert Route. It's hard to picture this Ferry 600 Feet below the Ocean surface.

Guest		22-Mar-2006 18:25
The Queen of the North sank last night after hitting a reef north of Prince Rupert(amazingly with no loss of life) -- you have some great shots here to remember her by. Thanks, Steve

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