Russian container ship loses power, adrift near Haida Gwaii as storm approaches
The Canadian Coast Guard is en route after the Simushir, a Russian container ship, reported that it had lost all power and is adrift near Haida Gwaii.
The Council the Haida Nation has issued an emergency warning as the Simushir is carrying 500 metric tonnes of bunker fuel and 60 metric tonnes of diesel.
It is possible the ship could hit ground within 3 to 4 hours due to high winds and ocean swells from an approaching potent frontal system. Efforts are being made by the crew and both American and Canadian rescue officials to prevent the ship from spilling any fuel.
The vessel lost power at 1:30 a.m. this morning and was 19 kilometres west of Gowgaia Bay. It was traveling from Washington state to Russia.
It has a length of 135-metres, a deadweight tonnage of 9,405 tons and was built in 1998 in the Netherlands.
Tug boats have been deployed from Alaska and Prince Rupert, but they are not expected to arrive at the vessel for another 20 hours. The Canadian Coast Guard vessel is also a considerable 750 kilometres away.
U.S. Coast Gaurd helicopters have been sent to monitor the situation and rescue the Simushir’s injured captain, according to CTV.
The Government of Canada is aware of an incapacitated foreign flagged cargo ship off the remote coast of B.C.
— Fisheries and Oceans (@DFO_MPO) October 17, 2014
The CCG, DND and Transport Canada as well as the Province of B.C. are taking necessary actions.
— Fisheries and Oceans (@DFO_MPO) October 17, 2014
The Government of Canada will offer all required assistance. We will provide further updates as we have more information.
— Fisheries and Oceans (@DFO_MPO) October 17, 2014
Feature Image: Lappino via ShipSpotting
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