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 the morning of December 7, a fire broke out on the 85 foot long, 200 gt tugboat Lucinda Smith (IMO:8333166) moored on the Acushnet River in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Local fire fighters found the tug engulfed in flames with the engine room, staterooms and pilot house ablaze. Multiple fire fighting teams were able to extinguish the blaze with no injuries to the crew of the Lucinda Smith or fire fighters. Damage was extensive with multiple compartments completely gutted by the fire. Authorities placed booms around the tug to contain any pollution released.
The fire is under investigation by the New Bedford Fire Department. Reports state the Coast Guard and other authorities were notified of the incident. No reports if other authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident.
