Deliberately cut Sea to Sky Gondola cable caused 'damages reaching into the millions'
Credit to Author: Susan Lazaruk| Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2019 22:35:47 +0000
The company that runs the Sea to Sky Gondola, which police believe was deliberately damaged, sending more than half the cars plummeting to the ground, is facing millions in damages to replace both the cars and the cable.
“We are still assessing the damage, however, our initial estimate is that 18 to 20 of our 30 gondola cabins will need to be replaced along with the main cable,” Sea to Sky Gondola said in a statement Monday. “We are working with Doppelmayr, our lift manufacturer, to determine timelines for equipment replacement.”
The “haul rope” for the gondola was cut around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. The lift was closed for the night and there were no injuries. The sightseeing attraction that can carry up to eight passengers in each of the 30 cars for the almost kilometre high trip up the mountain near Squamish.
“We can say that it’s been cut,” Squamish RCMP Const. Ashley MacKay said Monday. “We believe it’s a deliberate act” because there was no “operational or environmental reason for the cord to be damaged.”
MacKay said police believe it was an isolated attack. “But we urge other attractions to take precautions.”
Asked if police have any suspects, MacKay said, “We have no other information to release today.”
Gondolas pass each other at the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish in June 2016.
She said police could only release a name involved in its investigation once an individual is formally charged.
“The RCMP is treating this incident as an ongoing criminal investigation with damages reaching into the millions,” said the company’s statement.
A company spokesman didn’t return a phone call asking for more details. It’s not known if the company is insured.
“We are thankful that no guests or staff were on the gondola and no injuries were sustained in the incident,” the statement said. “Our efforts are focused on the well-being of our incredible team, working with the RCMP and determining steps towards reopening.”
Mounties in Squamish are investigating after the cable broke at Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish early Saturday morning and several cars crashed to the ground.
The attraction, with its views of Howe Sound and surrounding forests and mountains, is a popular site for weddings and other events. “We are working to relocate as many as possible to other beautiful venues in the area,” the company said.
The company runs the gondola daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 8 p.m. on weekends, for which it charges between $44 and $16, depending on the rider’s age.
“We appreciate all of the support from the Squamish community and the industry as a whole during this time,” said the company. “We are going to reopen as soon as possible.”
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