The following pictures were by Frank Bolla on September 29, 2002 as a man attempted to rappel from the middle of span of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge onto the deck of the Holland America Line cruise ship Veendam. It is not clear whether the man was trying to board the ship or simply pulling the stunt for attention.
Unfortunately for him, he miss-timed his descent and bounced off the netting covering the tennis court, struck his head of the aft railing, and was left dangling in mid-air. The blow to his head did not appear to cause any serious injury as the man was later seen lighting up a cigarette as he slowly swung under the bridge after the ship had passed.
He later lowered himself to the water where he was picked up by a passing water taxi, which turned him over to a police boat that had been called to the scene. The man was eventually arrested and charged with "criminal mischief". As a result of the incident the southbound lane of the bridge was closed and the departures of the Norwegian Sky and the Amsterdam were delayed slightly.
Veendam Approaches Bridge Click on the image for a larger version
Jumper Begins Descent Click on the image for a larger version
Jumper Approaches Deck of Veendam Click on the image for a larger version
Jumper Dangles Under Bridge After Bouncing Off Veendam Click on the image for a larger version
Police Boat Picks Up Jumper Click on the image for a larger version
Police Boat Motors Away With Jumper Aboard Click on the image for a larger version
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