A BC Ferries sailing took a turn for the heroic Friday morning after coming to the aid of a distressed and injured sailor.

The Queen of Capilano was radioed for help by the Coast Guard to assist a windy rescue while it was sitting in its berth on Bowen Island.

The Coast Guard Cutter boat was already on scene but was too big to navigate the shallow waters where a small boat was smashing against the rocks.

Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said the ferry launched its small rescue boat within minutes, carrying a coast guard technician to the injured man.

The ferry crew then transported the sailor and technician back to the Cutter.

"The man on board allegedly had broken ribs," she said.

Environment Canada issued wind warnings for Victoria, the southern gulf islands and Vancouver Friday, with gusts up to 70 kilometres an hour predicted in Metro and Coastal Vancouver.

BC Ferries assists in about 24 marine rescues each year

With files from The Canadian Press