Lost and Found at Sea: Luigi the Cat's Ferry-Tale Reunion

August 27, 2025

After two long weeks of anxious searching, a tuxedo cat named Luigi is finally back home – safe, snuggled, and very vocal about it.

Luigi's unexpected adventure began on August 9, while traveling on the BC Ferries vessel Coastal Inspiration from Duke Point to Tsawwassen. Newlywed and heading home from their wedding on Vancouver Island, Luigi's owners were blindsided when the curious cat managed to squeeze through a vehicle window and disappear onboard.

"Somehow he got off of the ferry and out at the Tsawwassen terminal," Neelya Herbert, Luigi's owner, told the Nanaimo News Bulletin. "He hasn't told me how he did it yet."

The Search

The odds weren't great. A lost cat aboard a ferry? It was the classic "needle in a haystack" scenario, but thanks to the dedication of ferry workers and volunteers with Halo's Pet Rescue, the story took a happy turn.

BC Ferries staff members kept a vigilant eye out for Luigi, logging sightings near a portable office at the Tsawwassen terminal. Volunteers tracked the tips for days, and eventually, Halo the rescue dog helped confirm Luigi's scent trail. When Neelya arrived and called out to her missing friend, Luigi responded with familiar meows – and after 15 long minutes, emerged from hiding and jumped into her arms.

Home At Last

Despite the ordeal, Luigi seemed unfazed – if a little hungry. "He's eaten four containers of food," Herbert said. "He woke me up every hour last night just to tell remind he was home and that he needed snuggles."

BC Ferries also gave special thanks to the crew members who went above and beyond during the search, including driver lead Danny Lang, who left food out just in case Luigi came by. Ferry staff and volunteers alike were touched by the public support, as online updates about Luigi's journey gained traction.