The Northern Adventure has had a brief and checkered history in the BC Ferries fleet. (BC Ferries)

Critics have long questioned whether the Northern Adventure ferry is suitable for the stormy waters off B.C.'s north coast, and Monday's aborted voyage, which saw the vessel return to shore because of high winds, is bound to add to the controversy.

Passengers and goods travelling on the 117-metre BC Ferries ship were tossed around in a severe storm along the ferry's regular route between Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands, forcing the vessel to return to the mainland.

The ferry, which can carry 600 passengers and crew and 100 vehicles, has been known as the Northern Adventure only for a little over two years. Before it began ferrying passengers in B.C. in March 2007, the Greek-made vessel operated out of Barcelona, Spain, as the Sonia.

One critic said it should have stayed in its home waters.

"I've said before that this ferry is not suitable for the north," said B.C. New Democrat MLA Gary Coons, who represents the riding of North Coast. "It's great for the Mediterranean."

Coons said the Northern Adventure has a reputation for instability, even in calm waters.

Ship has unsavoury nickname

"This ferry has had a litany of concerns, right from the very beginning, when it was known as the 'vomit comet'," Coons said.

BC Ferries bought the vessel for $50 million to replace the Queen of the North, which sank in 2006.

After only a month in operation in B.C. waters, the Northern Adventure was pulled from service for a refit.

There were numerous problems with everything from the elevators to the heating system, to the toilets.

Coons said Monday's experience left many people badly shaken and has added to the ship's mixed reputation among passengers.

"They are concerned with going on the ferry again," said Coons.