Transport Canada said crews are attempting to refloat a barge that ran aground Saturday evening off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.
Just before 8 p.m. on Saturday, the Canadian Coast Guard received a report of a barge, being towed by a tug, that was grounded north of Cape Mudge, off Quadra Island.
The Coast Guard says the tug, the U.S.-registered Polar King, is not damaged and the six people aboard are safe and were not injured.
But the hull of the barge, called the Nana Provider, was compromised so plans to refloat the barge Sunday didn’t come to fruition. Michelle Imbeau, a Canadian Coast Guard spokesperson said the barge remained stable overnight.
Transport Canada said attempts are underway to refloat the barge and assess it. Once it is refloated, it will be towed to Middle Point at a facility just north of Campbell River if repairs are required.
Crews at the site of the grounded barge off Quadra Island on Nov. 11, 2019. (Canadian Coast Guard)
Crews at the site of the grounded barge off Quadra Island on Nov. 11, 2019. (Canadian Coast Guard)
The Campbell River Lifeboat Station is monitoring the refloat operation. When the barge is anchored, a Transport Canada inspector will be deployed to inspect the vessel.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard both said they are also reviewing a salvage plan from the responsible party.
The barge is carrying rail cars and containers on its deck. The coast guard is monitoring the scene for marine pollution but says at this time there is no sign of any.
Vessels in the area are asked to keep a safe distance away (1000’ as referenced in the NavWarn NW-P-1536-19) to avoid interfering with assessment and salvage efforts.
With files from the Canadian Press
CHEK News
