Queen Charlotte police officers were stymied by a call advising them of an accident 1.5 kilometres east of Skidegate September 6.
The call came from an "OnStar" operator at a call centre who found it especially troublesome that a 2005 GMC Envoy was in the waters of Hecate Strait.
"OnStar" is General Motor's onboard global positioning system which offers such high-tech services as calling emergency services when it senses an accident has occurred, remotely unlocking vehicle doors, or offering route support and directions.
Police responded to the call by driving out to Skidegate, where they noticed the ferry making its way into the inlet.
"Obviously, oversensitive modern electronics in the GMC were to blame," says Sergeant Neil Hogg.