A man and a dog walk along rocks at English Bay in Vancouver, on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Another barge went adrift in Vancouver's English Bay, prompting a quick response from the Canadian Coast Guard. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
In Vancouver's English Bay, yet another incident unfolded as a barge broke loose from its mooring, prompting a swift response from the Canadian Coast Guard. The agency received the report around 2:30 p.m., leading two crews from its Kitsilano base to spring into action within minutes.
Michelle Imbeau, a spokeswoman for the Coast Guard, stated that with the aid of a vessel from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, they successfully secured the 200-foot commercial barge to prevent it from drifting onto the beach. While awaiting the arrival of commercial tugs, the barge remained stabilized. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or pollution resulting from the incident.
The coast guard's prompt action proved vital as two Seaspan tugs arrived around 3:15 p.m., swiftly re-securing the barge and bringing the situation under control. Despite the successful resolution, the exact cause behind the barge coming loose from its mooring remains uncertain.
This incident follows a similar occurrence more than two years prior, when another barge broke loose and became lodged at Sunset Beach in November 2021. These recurrent events highlight the importance of continued vigilance and coordinated efforts in ensuring maritime safety and preventing potential environmental hazards.
