News
Oct 13, 2022
Elizabeth May raises issues of clogging the Salish Sea with "free parking" for freighters
Elizabeth May raises issues of clogging the Salish Sea with "free parking" for freighters
Nov 30, 2022
ANOTHER FREIGHTER DRAGS ITS ANCHOR IN PLUMPER SOUND!
During last night’s windstorm, the bulk carrier vessel “Sunshine Pride” dragged its anchor and drifted close to another freighter anchorage location nearby. Luckily there was no vessel at that anchorage!
According to the Pacific Pilotage Authority, they were notified at 9:30 pm last night but could not dispatch a Pilot to reposition the freighter until 6:00 am this morning. In Canadian waters, if a large vessel drags anchor outside of its designated anchor swing circle, a Canadian Pilot must be sent to assist the ship’s master to reposition it to its proper anchorage location.
We have been warning Transport Canada that these anchorages in our Southern Gulf Island waters are creating a potential for a catastrophic incident.
Here is some history for those of you new to our island:
“Between January 2015 and March 2020, a total of 102 dragging anchor occurrences along the BC coastline were reported to MCTS. When a vessel drags anchor, it can result in a collision, a grounding, or other emergency situations.” (Source: Marine Transportation Safety Investigation Report M20P0092 into the collision of two ships in Plumper Sound)
In the period January 2009 to March 2018, there have been 14 instances in Plumper Sound where ships requested to be relocated by the PPA back to their original anchorage position due to anchor dragging. (Source: Pacific Pilotage Authority)
November 2009 The vessel “Hebei Lion” grounded on Conconi reef in the narrow Navy Channel between Mayne and North Pender due to anchor dragging in a storm.
March 2020 High winds and lack of crew action, caused the Golden Cecilie to drag anchor and collide with Green K-Max 1 in Plumper Sound.
October 2021 During a storm, the bulk carrier freighter ALCMENE, anchored in Plumper Sound, dragged its anchor and drifted over one kilometre onto the position of an adjacent anchorage, which fortunately was not occupied at the time.
As long as these anchorages continue to be used, the potential for a catastrophic incident that results in an oil spill or fire remains a constant threat.
ANOTHER FREIGHTER DRAGS ITS ANCHOR IN PLUMPER SOUND!
During last night’s windstorm, the bulk carrier vessel “Sunshine Pride” dragged its anchor and drifted close to another freighter anchorage location nearby. Luckily there was no vessel at that anchorage!
According to the Pacific Pilotage Authority, they were notified at 9:30 pm last night but could not dispatch a Pilot to reposition the freighter until 6:00 am this morning. In Canadian waters, if a large vessel drags anchor outside of its designated anchor swing circle, a Canadian Pilot must be sent to assist the ship’s master to reposition it to its proper anchorage location.
We have been warning Transport Canada that these anchorages in our Southern Gulf Island waters are creating a potential for a catastrophic incident.
Here is some history for those of you new to our island:
“Between January 2015 and March 2020, a total of 102 dragging anchor occurrences along the BC coastline were reported to MCTS. When a vessel drags anchor, it can result in a collision, a grounding, or other emergency situations.” (Source: Marine Transportation Safety Investigation Report M20P0092 into the collision of two ships in Plumper Sound)
In the period January 2009 to March 2018, there have been 14 instances in Plumper Sound where ships requested to be relocated by the PPA back to their original anchorage position due to anchor dragging. (Source: Pacific Pilotage Authority)
November 2009 The vessel “Hebei Lion” grounded on Conconi reef in the narrow Navy Channel between Mayne and North Pender due to anchor dragging in a storm.
March 2020 High winds and lack of crew action, caused the Golden Cecilie to drag anchor and collide with Green K-Max 1 in Plumper Sound.
October 2021 During a storm, the bulk carrier freighter ALCMENE, anchored in Plumper Sound, dragged its anchor and drifted over one kilometre onto the position of an adjacent anchorage, which fortunately was not occupied at the time.
As long as these anchorages continue to be used, the potential for a catastrophic incident that results in an oil spill or fire remains a constant threat.