BC

RCMP, the coast guard and other first responders are at the scene of a bizarre early morning incident just metres off the BC Ferry dock on Gabriola Island, near Nanaimo.

BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall confirms a car is in the water at the Descanso Bay terminal and is reported to have sunk.

She says, at about 3:45 a.m., the vehicle crashed through a barrier gate at the terminal where the open-decked ferry, the MV Quinsam, was tied up overnight.

The car careened up the raised ramp at the terminal and launched itself onto the ferry's deck, skidding the length of the deck before tumbling into the water from the open bow of the ship.

There's no word, yet, if anyone was in the car, but the incident has closed the ferry terminal until further notice, suspending sailings between Gabriola Island and nearby Nanaimo Harbour.

A release from BC Ferries says a water taxi service is being arranged for foot passengers.