A cargo vessel bound for the United States encountered damage and began taking on water in the vicinity of Bella Bella on British Columbia’s Central Coast, as confirmed by authorities. The Canadian Coast Guard was alerted to the situation by the Malolo tugboat on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred approximately 480 kilometers northwest of Vancouver while the vessel was en route from Alaska to Seattle, Washington. No pollution incidents had been reported as of the following Wednesday.
William Housty, in charge of the Heiltsuk First Nation’s integrated resource management department, informed CBC News that dive inspections indicated damage to the stern, suggesting that the barge may have made contact with the seabed at some point. The vessel was first identified in the Fisher Channel, situated about 15 kilometers east of Bella Bella. It has since been relocated to a secure harbor just off the channel, behind Matthew Island, according to the latest update from the response team on Wednesday morning.
Transport Canada stated that the barge is transporting refrigerated containers, dry goods, and diesel necessary for powering the refrigeration units. They emphasized that no pollution or damage associated with the barge had been reported. However, they assured readiness to take appropriate measures if any environmental or safety concerns arise.
Alaska Marine Lines did not disclose the cargo details to the Heiltsuk First Nation’s resource management department. Nevertheless, precautionary measures were implemented to safeguard nearby significant areas, including salmon creeks and cultural sites.
An oil containment boom has been deployed around the entrances of three salmon creeks as a preventive measure. Another barge from Alaska Marine Lines is en route to assist in the situation. Upon its arrival, cargo will be transferred to lighten the load, allowing both barges to continue their journeys without disrupting the supply chain for Southeast Alaska communities.
The incident raised concerns due to uncertainties about the barge’s contents, emphasizing the need to reduce tanker traffic in the region. Notably, the area had previously experienced a significant oil spill caused by the sinking of the Nathan E. Stewart tugboat in October 2016, leading to substantial penalties for the responsible company.
As discussions continue about potential amendments to the oil tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast, the incident underscores the risks and challenges faced by coastal First Nations regarding marine accidents and oil spills. The Heiltsuk Nation expressed concerns regarding the potential exemptions to the existing tanker ban, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures to mitigate risks associated with expanded marine traffic in the region.
