Car overboard while disembarking cable ferry
Cable ferry Paule II
Laval, Quebec
The occurrence
On 16 July 2025, six cars were aboard the cable ferry Paule II. After a two-minute crossing, the drivers were instructed to disembark. As the third and fourth cars drove over the shore ramp, a gap gradually opened between it and the vessel. The driver of the fifth car was unaware of the gap and continued to move forward. The car ended up with its front wheels on the shore ramp and its back wheels in the water.
Bystanders shouted commands to the operator of the vessel to push the car onto the shore ramp. This ultimately destabilized the car, which was then carried away by the strong current. A sling was thrown to the driver, but it was too short to reach him. The operator and the deckhand tried to use one of the life rings, but the line was tangled. Ultimately, the deckhand dove into the water unassisted to rescue the driver. They both managed to swim back to shore uninjured. The driver was taken to hospital for evaluation. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Investigation information
M25C0167
Car overboard while disembarking cable ferry
Cable ferry Paule II
Laval, Quebec
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
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
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- 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.
- 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.