It was anything but smooth sailing for BC Ferries staff dealing with two hostile, maskless customers Sunday night (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsnOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID fine

Police arrest and fine 2 maskless ferry customers causing disturbances on Nanaimo bound ferry

Feb 24, 2021 | 1:18 PM

NANAIMO — A pair of “belligerent” ferry customers were met by police after a late night ferry ride.

Nanaimo RCMP met them at the Departure Bay ferry terminal on Sunday, Feb. 21 just after midnight when the last ferry docked. Police were called by BC Ferries staff about the two women, ages 19 and 43.

“Throughout the sailing (they) were heard yelling, screaming and generally being abusive to staff,” RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said .

The two were promptly arrested for mischief and causing disturbances. They were fined $230 for failing to wear face coverings and an additional $230 for abusive or belligerent behaviour.

“They made idle threats to our offices to kill them, saying they’d lose their jobs and pensions, both we’ve heard many other times before.”

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The attitudes of the women changed after a night in police custody to sober up.

“As expected, they were extremely apologetic for their behaviour,” O’Brien said. “That’s always what we hear, that it’s liquid courage causing the attitude to come out. It should be noted the two had reusable non-medical masks in their possession at all times but simply chose to not wear them.”

He said this one of the most extreme cases of mask belligerence they’ve handled so far during the pandemic.

“Often what happens is we get a call from a business for someone refusing to wear a mask. Once we get there, they realize the gig is up and either leave or put the mask on.”

O’Brien said the case won’t be pursued criminally beyond the $460 in fines.

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