The B.C. Ministry of Environment says sorbent booms and pads helped to contain a diesel spill after a tug boat ran aground in the Chatham Channel, north of Sayward B.C.
The ministry reported the grounding of the 21-metre DD Catherwood tug boat in the Chatham Channel, a strait and marine passageway on the coast of British Columbia, at 12 p.m. Sunday. According to the ministry, an onboard fuel tank was punctured and approximately 500 litres of diesel fuel was released into the environment.
Sorbent booms, which are booms that look like a long sausage made out of a material that absorbs oil, and pads were used by Western Canada Marine Response Corporation to mitigate the pollution risk, the ministry said.
The fuel tank was pumped into a holding tank on a barge and there were no further spills, according to the ministry.
On Monday, the ministry confirmed the vessel was towed to Beaver Cove. The Canadian Coast Guard Sir John Franklin escorted the tug boat but has since left the area.
A flight over the affected area was scheduled to take place on Monday but was delayed due to weather.
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