October 17, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario
The Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of National Defence today issued the following statement:
A Russian-flagged cargo ship Simushir is currently disabled and floating off the west coast of Haida Gwaii with 10 crewmembers onboard. The vessel has no propulsion and is adrift.
The Government of Canada has taken action to halt the ship from drifting, and to ensure the safety of all. A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 19 Wing Comox was dispatched to the scene. At 12:30 PM, the helicopter evacuated the vessel master to Sandspit, where his care was turned over to BC Emergency Healthcare.
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has been working closely with the Department of National Defence/ Canadian Armed Forces since the beginning of this incident. While the crew continues to work on restarting the ship's engine, the CCG is making preparations to stand up an Incident Command Post to manage the incident from a strategic location where all key stakeholders will be mobilized for a unified command, control and coordination of the response effort. This includes federal Departments, Provincial personnel and First Nations.
The CCG is also cascading available assets including, but not limited to the CCGS Gordon Reid, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the CCGS Bartlett, the CCGS Arrow Post and the CCGS W.E. Ricker. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre has also tasked a nearby vessel, the M/V North Star to remain on the scene. In addition, the owners of the Simushir have tasked the ocean-going tug Barbara Foss to assist as well.
The Cormorant helicopter and a United States Coast Guard helicopter remain on stand-by and have been prepositioned to provide air support.
Furthermore, the Canadian Coast Guard is taking proactive measures to ensure that an environmental response plan is in place as required.
- 30 -
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Follow us on Twitter!
