Jake Shearer barge recovered from B.C. waters with coast guard reporting no environment damage

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      A fuel-loaded barge that spent last night (November 26) adrift off the north coast of Vancouver Island is back under control and on its way to a safe harbour.

      The articulated tug barge is carrying more than 3.5 million litres of diesel oil.

      It became separated from its tug boat, the Jake Shearer, calling into question the safety of its cargo.

      The area where the accident occurred, Queen Charlotte Sound, is a sensitive marine habitat that serves as a home to a variety of wildlife.

      Now News 1130 has reported that the Canadian Coast Guard’s Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre Victoria (JRCCV) has said that there is no indication of a fuel spill or of any kind of risk to the environment.

      A commercial tug has arrived on scene,” the JRCC’s  Katelyn Moores told News 1130. “Winds have eased, which is good. They’re now about 20 knots and seas are about two metres.”

      Additional information about the rescue operation was posted on Twitter by  JRCCV earlier this morning (November 27).

      “The Gulf Cajun tug arrived on scene at 7:40am PST & has est. a tow line. CCGS Bartlett is currently proceeding to the scene with Enviro. Response (ER) equipment. Addt’l ER equip. is also being mobilized by land to be nearby if necessary. No pollution observed,” it reads.

      “CCGS Gordon Reid will escort the vessels to a safe location. The two people on board are safe on the barge. We are working closely with local First Nations, the Province of British Columbia and federal partners.”

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