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Tag: Bella Bella

Grounding off Bella Bella

Grounding off Bella Bella

Bella Bella Grounding
Photo: cbc.ca

On the morning of November 18, a barge being towed by the 31 meter long, 330 gt tugboat Malolo (IMO: 7614082) sustained damage in the Fisher Channel approximately 15 kilometers east of Bella Bella, British Columbia, Canada. The vessels were en route from Alaska bound for Seattle, Washington when the barge hull was holed. Divers were called out and found that part of the barge hull had been compromised and suffered water ingress, but was in stable condition and in no risk of sinking.

The Canadian Coast Guard was alerted and had the vessels moved to a nearby anchorage.  Booms were deployed around the barge as a precautionary measured. Reports state another barge has been dispatched to help lightered the cargo.

Authorities have suggested the barge may have struck bottom on its voyage as why the hull was damaged. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

 

Western Gambler

Western Gambler

Western Gambler
Photo: Canadian Coast Guard

On the early morning of February 19, the 58 foot long fishing vessel Western Gambler ran around in Queen Charlotte Strait some 3 kilometers south of Bella Bella, British Columbia, Canada. The Western Gambler developed a list after the grounding and requested assistance. Canadian Coast Guard dispatched its fast rescue craft from the Bella Bella station which arrived on scene and rescued the 4 crew off the fishing vessel.  No reports of injuries.

Western Gambler
Photo: victorianow.com

The Western Gambler would continue to list and eventually capsized onto its port hull. Authorities spotted debris and a light sheen on the water. A response team was deployed which placed containment booms along with absorbents around the fishing vessel. Booms were also deployed to protect a nearby hatchery.  Reports state the Western Gambler had some 7500 litres of diesel fuel and 1100 litres of hydraulic oil. Reports state the vessel will be salvaged and removed within the week. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

View the incident report here.

Gordon Jensen

Gordon Jensen

Gordon Jensen

On December 19, the 95 meter long, 4080 dwt fishing vessel Gordon Jensen ran aground near Bella Bella, British Columbia, Canada. The Gordon Jensen had stranded on the rocks, but was able to be refloated. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The fishing vessel proceeded to a shipyard at Ketchikan for repairs.