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Tag: British Columbia

Iron Horse

Iron Horse

Iron Horse
Photo: cheknews.ca

On July 7, the 15 meter long tugboat Iron Horse sank to the bottom in the Discovery Passage in Campbell River marina on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The tugboat, built in 1945, had been derelict for some years and had suffered water ingress and partially sank in May 2025 before it completely sank in July.

Iron Horse
Photo: shipspotting.com

Port authorities reported that small amount of oil and diesel fuel pollution had been released from the tugboat. The Canadian Coast Guard had the owner remove the majority of the oil and fuel in 2023. The owner of the Iron Horse once lived in a makeshift houseboat tied next to the tugboat. The man was elderly and had moved away some time prior. Authorities state they do not have a current address for the owner.  The Iron Horse had no insurance.

The harbour authorities state they may have to pay for the cost of removing the tug and the pollution cleanup. Estimates could be as high as $100,000 CAN.  The Canadian Coast Guard will not be involved as the Iron Horse was not a navigational hazard and the amount of pollution is minor.

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.

Queen of Capilano

Queen of Capilano

Queen of Capilano

On the morning of February 2, the 96 meter long, 2885 gt ro-ro passenger ferry Queen of Capilano (IMO: 9008354) allided in the Queen Charlotte Channel on Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Queen of Capilano was departing from Snug Cove, Bowen Island bound for West Vancouver when it slammed into multiple moored smaller vessels before striking the dock. Reports state the dock and moored vessel sustained damage, but the ferry seemed undamaged from the incident. The Queen of Capilano continued on its voyage to West Vancouver. The ferry made several other crossing before it suffered a mechanical breakdown with the propulsion system. There no reports of injuries and no pollution was released.

Queen of Capilano
Photo: nsnews.com

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the allision. Factors such as a mechanical breakdown or strong winds may have caused the allision.

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