Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
11h ago

Container Removal Begins From Sinking Barge Off B.C. Coast After Federal Approval

Officials authorized removing 25 containers to reduce strain on the compromised barge.

A worker is shown pulling rope aboard a barge carrying numerous cargo containers as it sinks in the waters off British Columbia's central coast near Bella Bella in a handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Heiltsuk First Nation (Mandatory Credit)

Overview

  • Crews planned up to five hours of work Thursday to lift 25 containers, then hold overnight and reassess on Friday.
  • The barge was relocated to a refuge near Matthew Island and remains stable with no pollution reported, according to the Canadian Coast Guard.
  • Pumping was halted to avoid disrupting air pockets helping the vessel stay afloat after damage was found on the underside of the hull.
  • The barge had been under tow by the tug Malolo from Alaska to Seattle when it began taking on water Monday and was seen listing.
  • Further steps, including how to move the barge to Seattle, require new plans and approvals from Transport Canada and U.S. authorities, as Heiltsuk responders deploy protections and press for stronger coastal emergency capacity.