The operator of the Coho ferry service between Victoria and Port Angeles, Washington, says it’s sorry for “unintentionally” raising the Canadian flag upside down as it entered Victoria harbour on Sunday.
The Black Ball Ferry Line said raising the flag on approach to the harbour is part of a “routine practice,” and the mistake was “fixed immediately.”
The Seattle-based company said in a statement that it is “sincerely” apologetic for the “unintended disrespect or confusion” the flag situation caused.
The firm said in a social media post that it values the “strong connections on both sides of the water,” and has the “utmost respect” for the communities it serves.
The mistake comes amid heightened tensions as U.S. President Donald Trump makes repeated comments about making Canada the 51st state.
Black Ball Ferry Line, which makes the 90-minute crossing daily, said last week that while American travel numbers to Victoria are up a bit this year, overall, the company is down 15 per cent because of snowbirds staying in Canada and fewer leisure travellers heading south.
FRS Clipper, which operates passenger ferry service between Victoria and Seattle, said last week that Victoria-originating traffic is down about 30 per cent from the same period last year, while Seattle-originating traffic is about even with last year’s numbers.
— With files from the Times Colonist
