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Tag: Canadian Coast Guard

Atlantic Treasure

Atlantic Treasure

Atlantic Treasure
Photo: cbc.ca

On the evening of August 17, the 19 meter long, 185 gt fishing vessel Atlantic Treasure (IMO: 8950512) sank in the Atlantic Ocean some 300 kilometers off Canada. The Atlantic Treasure was on the Grand Banks when a seawater pipe burst. Eight crew members attempted to control the flooding while 3 other crew members deployed the life-rafts and prepared the safety gear just in case. The crew quickly found the bilge pumps on board were overwhelmed by the water ingress and the Atlantic Treasure was sinking. The water level rose quickly and eventually flooded the engine room leaving the fishing vessel without power. With the vessel now listing hard over there was no choice for the 11 crew but to abandon ship into a life raft.

Fortunately, the Atlantic Treasure was able to send out a distress call alerting the Canadian Coast Guard and nearby vessels. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter, but it would be several hours before it could reach the area.  Luckily the 14 meter long fishing vessel Maid of Amsterdam (MMSI:316053143) was heading back from fishing only 40 kilometers away.  Hearing the distress call, the Maid of Amsterdam changed course to assist in the search and rescue.  It would take around 3 hour when the Maid of Amsterdam reached the survivors. All 11 crew from the Atlantic Treasure would be found and taken on board the Maid of Amsterdam.  The Canadian Coast Guard helicopter arrived soon afterwards and found the crew was safe. The Maid of Amsterdam then proceeded to back to port on Cape Breton with the 11 survivors.  There were no reports of injuries.

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Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess
Photo: globalnews.ca

On the morning of August 3, the 26 meter long passenger ship Harbour Princess (MMSI: 316022498) ran aground in the Burrand Inlet off Point Atkinson, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Harbour Princess was on a morning excursion with 58 passengers when it struck a rock in Starboat Cove. Passengers reported the vessel made a loud thud and abruptly stopped. The jolt knocked some off their feet.  The passenger ship sent out a distress call with multiple agencies responding led by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Harbour Princess did not suffer any water ingress, but the passenger ship was escorted back to its berth in Coal Harbour where it safely unloaded its passengers. Reports state 2 passengers were injured during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment.

According to news reports, the Harbour Princess struck the rock close to high tide.  Authorities have not stated if this obstruction was clearly mapped on the charts or not. Authorities have not yet stated if there will be an investigation into the incident.

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.