Sinking barge off B.C. coast moved to safe harbour; unloading delayed by wind

A British Columbia First Nation says a barge sinking in waters along the central coast has been moved to a safer location, but the removal of its freight containers has been delayed.

The Heiltsuk Nation says a second tugboat and barge are on-site to off-load the contents of the barge being towed by the tug Malolo, but crews are holding off due to increasing winds in the area.

The Nation says off-loading will begin as soon as it is safe.

The barge began taking on water Monday on the trip to Seattle from Alaska, and photos from the scene showed the barge carrying hundreds of cargo containers listing on one side. 

Marine emergency responders from the First Nation say crews have confirmed the barge is compromised on one side, and the vessel was being pumped out before the process was stopped to prevent disturbing air pockets that are keeping it afloat.

The incident has triggered reaction from Heiltsuk leaders about the need for more marine emergency response capacity along B.C.'s coast, adding that it highlights the potential strain on the system if oil tankers are allowed into coastal waters.

The response comes after the Globe and Mail reported that Ottawa is considering lifting a tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast in relation to its discussion with Alberta on a proposed new oil pipeline.

Picture Courtesy:  THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Heiltsuk First Nation