What was supposed to be smooth sailing for a new Toronto ferry's maiden voyage turned into a turbulent trip for those on board.

Shortly after leaving the mainland docks Wednesday, the ferry spun around in the harbour several times before smashing into the shore's breakwall after the captain had an anxiety attack.

Officials say blue smoke set off as part of a fireworks display meant to celebrate the voyage apparently obscured the view of the dock.

That caused the captain to panic and lose control of the vessel, said the Toronto Port Authority's head of operations, Ken Lundy.

The mishap turned what was supposed to be a 90-second crossing of the gap between the mainland and Toronto Island into a 30-minute journey. The gap is 120 metres wide.

Captain medically fine, but embarrassed

Another crew member ended up taking the helm and guided the boat to safety, colliding with the shoreline in the process.

"The guys do have to make sure they're lined up to go into the slip," said Lundy. "There's only 2½ feet on each side of the vessel when she comes in."

Paramedics checked out Captain Jack Smith, who said he was medically fine.

Smith has been piloting a ferry for more than 25 years and is reportedly quite embarrassed by what happened.

Passengers, mostly reporters attending what was expected to be a routine unveiling of the new ferry by the port authority, were jostled by the collision, but no one fell over and there were no injuries.

Airline undeterred

The ferry serves as the link between the Toronto Island Airport and the city's downtown.

The mishap comes as Porter Airlines gears up to begin its first flights in less than two weeks.

Both the port authority and Porter Airlines said they remain undeterred by the troubled trip.

Porter Airlines president and chief executive officer Robert Deluce said his airline will start flying in and out of the island airport on Oct. 23 as scheduled.

Mayor David Miller, who is opposed to the island airport, took the opportunity to voice his concerns over the safety of running a busy airport in such a built-up area.