A cargo vessel bound for the United States encountered damage and began taking on water near Bella Bella on British Columbia’s Central Coast, according to officials. The Canadian Coast Guard was alerted to the situation by the Malolo tugboat on Tuesday morning. The vessel, traveling from Alaska to Seattle, Washington, experienced the damage approximately 480 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, with no pollution reported as of the following day.
William Housty, overseeing the Heiltsuk First Nation’s integrated resource management department, informed CBC News that dive assessments revealed damage to the stern, indicating potential impact with the seabed. The vessel was initially identified in the Fisher Channel, around 15 kilometers east of Bella Bella, before being relocated to a secure harbor adjacent to Matthew Island.
Transport Canada confirmed that the barge was transporting refrigerated containers, dry goods, and diesel for the refrigeration units. Despite Alaska Marine Lines not disclosing this information, precautionary measures were implemented around vital salmon creeks and culturally significant areas.
An oil boom has been deployed to safeguard the surroundings, while a second barge is en route to assist in cargo transfer for load balancing. This incident has raised concerns, particularly regarding the increased frequency of similar events in the Central Coast area over the past decade.
The incident also rekindles discussions about potential amendments to the existing oil tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast, considering limited exemptions for specific traffic. The Heiltsuk Nation emphasized the risks associated with marine accidents and oil spills, underscoring the importance of prioritizing environmental and community safety in maritime activities.