A cargo barge ran aground on Quadra Island’s shoreline at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the Canadian Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard say they received a report at 7:55 p.m. of a barge, being towed, that was grounded on Quadra Island north of Cape Mudge.
The barge, identified as the Nana Provider, crashed into the shoreline opposite Campbell River, at Quathiaski Cove, while being towed by the Polar King.
Satellite tracking data from MyShipTracking.com shows the path of the Polar King prior to the incident, with the vessel proceeding on a steady track from the South. At 7:48 p.m., the Polar King made a sharp turn to the Northeast, towards Quadra Island, before proceeding in a winding route in the channel between the Island and Campbell River.
Screenshot of a map showing the Polar King’s Track from MyShipTracking.com
According to Coast Guard officials, the six people onboard the Polar King are safe and there were no injuries. The tug is intact and not damaged.
Coast Guard officials say that the barge is carrying rail cars and containers on the deck, and there was no cargo in the hull. They add that it is unknown if there is any damage to the barge’s hull and it is currently being assessed.
Coast Guard officials also say that Transport Canada is overseeing the responsible party’s planned salvage action, which includes making plans for an assist tug to refloat the barge this afternoon during high tide.
The Coast Guard is handling oversight of the situation for marine pollution. They say that at this time there is no sign of pollution.
CHEK News will update this story as it progresses.
CHEK News
