On March 18, the 11 meter long tugboat Syringa sank in Halfmoon Bay near Merry Island, British Columbia.  The Syringa while towing a barge had massive suffered water ingress quickly flooding the vessel. The two crew had barely enough time to abandon ship before the tugboat sank. The two swam to the Merry Island where they were assisted by the lighthouse keeper. Both suffered from mild hypothermia, but were unharmed. The vessel had sank so fast they were unable to make a mayday call. Witnesses had notified authorities who dispatched a helicopter and vessel to the scene. A tug was dispatched to pick up the barge.