Man Charged with Arson After Vehicle Fire Delays Nanaimo Ferry

A 41-year-old man faces an arson charge following a suspicious vehicle fire that disrupted Hullo ferry operations in Nanaimo on Friday.

Details of the Incident

Around 4 p.m., as passengers gathered at the terminal, the man scaled a fence and dashed along the dock toward a utility van. He forced entry into the vehicle and fashioned a makeshift torch from items inside before igniting it, according to Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson R/Const. Gary O’Brien.

Officers quickly arrived, detained the suspect, and collaborated with firefighters who extinguished the flames. The approaching ferry from Vancouver remained unable to dock for over an hour while emergency crews secured the area.

Aftermath and Charges

No injuries occurred, and damage was limited to the van itself. Authorities held the suspect overnight before formally charging him with one count of arson. He received bail with strict conditions, including a ban from the Hullo terminal and possession of incendiary devices. His next court date is set for March 24.

O’Brien described the individual as new to the Nanaimo area, withholding his identity.