On January 15, the 24 meter long, 312 gt tugboat Seaspan Harrier (IMO: 9771121) allided in Vancouver Harbour with a pier at North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The tug was conducting a test maneuver when it struck the pier. The pier sustained some damage while the Seapan Harrier sustained a minor scratch to the hull. Local authorities have secured the area while engineers complete a survey of the damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the night of December 17, the 18 meter long tugboat Theodore Too (MMSI: 316004923) sank on the Welland Canal while berthed at the Port Weller Dry Dock in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Reports state there was a “mishap” which allowed uncontrolled water ingress causing the tug to sink. The Theodore Too remained partially sunk. Authorities had booms placed around the vessel to prevent any pollution being released.
The tug was refloated on the afternoon of December 19. No details were disclosed to the extent of damage to the tugboat. There were no injuries.
The Theodore Too was built in 2000 as a life-sized replica of the Theodore Tugboat, a title character in a Canadian children’s TV show that aired between 1993 to 2001, that would cruise between the Great Lakes and the Canadian seaboard.
On October 13, the192 meter long, 20,236 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Robert S. Pierson (IMO: 7366403) became disabled on Whitefish Bay near Gros Cap Bluffs, Ontario. The Robert S. Pierson had departed from the Algoma Steel docks at the Soo bound for Two Harbors. As it passed the Gros Cap Reefs Beacon, the self-unloader lost its rudder. The vessel contacted authorities and the vessel was taken under tow to the shelter of nearby Goulais Bay. The bulk carrier remained at anchor for several days until it proceeded with the assistance of the tugboat Avenger IV.
The vessels proceeded to Superior, Wisconsin where the Robert S. Pierson will undergo repair. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.