On April 30, 2024, the Toronto ferry Thomas Rennie collided with property at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport amid dense fog conditions, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the city’s aging ferry fleet. The incident has intensified discussions about the need for modernization, better oversight, and improved communication between city agencies.
Thomas Rennie Crash Details
At approximately 10:35 p.m., the Thomas Rennie veered into the Marine Exclusion Zone (MEZ) surrounding Billy Bishop Airport—a restricted area designed to prevent watercraft from interfering with airport operations. The ferry subsequently struck the eastern runway area of the airport. No injuries were reported.
The City of Toronto attributed the incident to severely reduced visibility due to dense fog, which impaired both radar detection and visual navigation aids. Staff were reportedly unable to see airport lights, the Hanlan's Point dock, or navigational markers.
Aging Fleet and Safety Concerns
The Thomas Rennie, built in 1951, is one of several aging ferries in Toronto’s fleet, which transports approximately 1.4 million passengers annually. The city’s ferries range in age from around 60 to 140 years old, raising concerns about maintenance costs, operational reliability, and public safety. While city council has approved two new electric ferries, they are not expected to be operational for several years.
The April 2024 incident has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with operating an aging fleet. Over the past decade, eight incidents involving Toronto ferries have been reported, though only one prompted a full investigation by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada. The Thomas Rennie crash was classified as a Class 5 occurrence, meaning it did not require extensive review.
Historical Issues with Toronto Ferries
The Thomas Rennie has a history of accidents, including:
1953: Ran aground at Hanlan's Point in fog.
1954: Crashed into the city wharf due to a reversing failure, injuring two passengers.
1958: Ran aground at Centre Island during low water levels.
1968: Failed to reverse engines and struck the Queen's Quay ferry dock, injuring twelve individuals.
1976: A passenger fell overboard during a party cruise but was rescued without serious injury.
Other vessels in the fleet, including the 1935-built Sam McBride and 1910-built Trillium, have also faced operational challenges due to their age, leading to increased maintenance costs and service disruptions.
Calls for Modernization and Improved Oversight
The Thomas Rennie crash has sparked concerns about the city’s failure to promptly report the incident to PortsToronto, the agency responsible for the airport. PortsToronto only became aware of the crash months later through external inquiries.
Critics argue that delayed reporting reflects broader issues with communication and oversight in ferry operations. With Toronto’s ferry fleet playing a crucial role in transportation to the Toronto Islands, many believe it is time for the city to accelerate modernization efforts.
Conclusion
The Thomas Rennie incident highlights the risks of relying on an aging ferry fleet in a growing city. While Toronto has plans to introduce electric ferries, the timeline for their deployment remains uncertain. In the meantime, improved safety measures, stricter oversight, and better coordination between city agencies may be necessary to prevent further incidents and ensure the long-term sustainability of ferry services.
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