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Crippled Russian container ship arrives in Prince Rupert for repairs

WATCH ABOVE: Reporter Jeremy Hunka with the latest from Prince Rupert.

VANCOUVER –  A Russian freighter, crippled by mechanical problems Thursday, has now arrived in Prince Rupert for some critically-needed repairs.

The journey of the Simushir was made easier on Sunday by calmer waters and clear weather.

Rough seas had earlier been blamed for the delay in rescue boats getting to the ship as it drifted dangerously close to the shoreline of Haida Gwaii.

There were significant concerns about a potential oil spill.

READ MORE: What did we learn from the Simushir?

 

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The freighter has been towed nearly 100 nautical miles to its current destination.

Everyone involved in the rescue effort is hoping it will be fixed and on its way again soon, on its own power.

“The latest estimate I’ve heard is about 48 hours,” said Michael Gurney from the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “Essentially what’s going to happen is they’ll be changing out a defective oil-[heating] pump, which was apparently the cause of the engine problems.”

WATCH: The ship being towed to Prince Rupert:

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