Missing cat Luigi sparks search after BC Ferries sailing

A tuxedo cat named Luigi is still missing after slipping out of a vehicle during a BC Ferries sailing from Duke Point to Tsawwassen on Aug. 9.

Owner Neelya Herbert says she left her pets in her truck with food, water, and litter before heading upstairs, since passengers aren’t allowed to stay on the lower car deck.

“When we got back to the vehicle, there was only one dog and one cat in there,” she told Daily Hive.

“Luigi was gone. He had squeezed out the back window that was open about an inch and a half.”

Herbert described Luigi as “initially shy at first, but once he knows you, he’s extremely friendly. And he talks a lot.”

She said she opened the window slightly because it was a hot day.

“I couldn’t leave him locked up for two hours on the ferry — he needed air, he needed water, he needed his litter. The intent was never to lose the pussycat.”

Search efforts

Herbert said she was given about 15 minutes to look for Luigi when the ferry docked.

Later in the week, BC Ferries allowed her back on board one evening after service. “We were on the boat for two hours, searching everywhere, but we couldn’t find him.”

In a statement, BC Ferries confirmed crew “prioritized looking for the missing pet” on the 10:15 a.m. sailing aboard the Coastal Inspiration, conducting multiple sweeps that day and the next morning.

“While incidents of pets going missing on board are extremely rare, we understand how distressing this can be for pet owners and will always do what we can to assist,” the company said.

Herbert says the response has been overwhelming when asked about the community response.

Neelya Herbert/Facebook

“This [Wednesday] morning, the update post had 29,000 views. Everyone’s been phenomenal and helping to spread the word, we just haven’t found him.”

There have been some tips, but so far none have been Luigi.

One theory is that he may have hidden in a trailer or boat and left the ferry with another passenger.

“It’s horrible,” Herbert said. “A part of our family is missing, and we truly want him back.”

How to help

Luigi is a male tuxedo cat and was last seen wearing a blue harness. Herbert says she’s offering a reward for his safe return.

“Please just help me bring Luigi home,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 250-720-9999.

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