A BC Supreme Court jury says former BC ferries navigator Karl Lilgert is guilty of criminal negligence causing the deaths of two people.
The Queen of the North veered sharply off course in March 2006, ran into Gil island and went under.
Two people are presumed drowned that night, Gerald Foisey and Shirley Rosette. Their bodies were never found.
The defence claimed Lilgert may have made some honest mistakes, but did nothing criminal.
The Crown says Lilgert was a liar who claimed the weather was awful when it wasn't, and made up a story about a “mystery boat.”
The Crown also suggested Lilgert was distracted by his former lover, Karen Briker, who was on deck with him that night helping to drive the ferry.
Neil Mackenzie with B.C.’s Criminal Justice Branch says the maximum penalty for criminal negligence causing death is life in prison, but it’s too early to say if that's what prosecutors will seek.
"Again, it's important to recall that is only one aspect of what the court will have to look at in crafting an appropriate sentence. The matter is still before the court. It's gone over til late June for sentencing submissions to be made. At that time, the crown's position on sentence will be put before the court."
Mackenzie refused to speculate on whether Crown expects Lilgert’s lawyers to appeal.
The 59-year-old remains free on bail until his sentence hearing June 21.
Photo: Crown Spokesperson Neil MacKenzie