After running aground at night near Bella Bella, British Columbia, the captain of an articulated tug-barge told the Canadian Coast Guard that the ATB was not in danger of sinking.
But by daybreak the tugboat Nathan E. Stewart was taking on water and its fuel tanks had breached.
The twin-screw, 3,400-hp tug sank at about 0930 on Oct. 13, 2016, roughly 8.5 hours after grounding near Athlone Island at the entrance to Seaforth Channel. The empty tank barge DBL 55 also was damaged but remained afloat.
Nathan E. Stewart was carrying about 59,000 gallons of diesel and 2,500 gallons of lube and mechanical oils. Canadian authorities believe up to 25,000 gallons of fuel and 1,500 gallons of lube oils escaped from the tug, which remained aground for more than a month.
The spill fouled local waterways and coves considered sacred by the Heiltsuk Nation and reignited tensions around transporting oil through Canadian tribal areas.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is leading the accident probe, although the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board also are investigating. The tug and barge are owned by a subsidiary of Houston-based Kirby Corp.
Authorities from both countries declined to comment on a possible cause of the incident, citing the ongoing case. However, TSB senior investigator Glenn Budden said the ATB ran onto the rocks 200 meters from Athlone Island, suggesting the vessels failed to make the turn to port needed to enter the channel.
“From the AIS track for the previously roughly 50 minutes, it maintained the same speed and course until it hit the island,” Budden said in a recent interview.
Esta historia es de la edición February 2017 de Professional Mariner.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 2017 de Professional Mariner.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Mariner's role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Mariners’ role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Piracy edges closer to home with wave of raids in southern Gulf
In the brief cellphone video recorded by a crewmember on the offshore supply vessel (OSV) Remas, the pirates walk back and forth on the deck of the ship, clenching their guns and using them to point as they order around the crew. Their faces are draped in clothing and bandanas.
Casualties
NTSB: Dredge hit Texas gas pipeline, causing fire that killed four
IMO emissions report raises new concerns about methane slip
A recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that global shipping emissions increased nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2018, with the industry facing a growing challenge concerning methane slip.
Bay State brothers find industry niche by making old into new
Zero non-conformities is what you want to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard inspects your tugboat. Once you’ve prepared your vessel, the inspectors come aboard to peruse your paperwork. They ask you pointed questions, to which they expect straightforward answers. Perusal completed, they then scrutinize all of the related safety systems, from bilge to antennas — even the ship’s bell.
Signals
A year into the pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships
Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover
While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles placed too high on the ship’s decks, and not enough ballast water gave the placement of the cargo.
Seastreak newcomer pushing through dip in demand
Two years ago, Seastreak LLC took delivery of Seastreak Commodore, a 600-passenger fast ferry, from Gulf Craft of Franklin, La. Designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther, the vessel is the largest of its kind in the United States and was built to meet the burgeoning demand for service in the New York-New Jersey market.
New year in a new world: Navigating COVID's maritime realities
In a matter of days, the decorative time balls will drop, “Auld Lang Syne” will fill the air, and ships at anchor will sound their horns as the world welcomes in the new year.
Advanced props, rudders provide new efficiencies below the waterline
It took a decade or two from the invention of the marine propeller in the 19th century for the technology to become widely accepted. Thereafter, adoption has been nearly universal, but progress toward improved efficiencies has come in fits and starts.
