Crews continue to respond to a diesel spill near Bella Bella despite a storm that hit the central coast Wednesday night.
Strong winds and high waves were expected in the area, where tug boat Nathan E. Stewart carrying a fuel barge ran aground near Athlone Island last week. The fuel barge was empty, but the tug sank, leaking diesel fuel into the water.
The tug remains partially submerged in about nine metres of water. It was loaded with 59,924 gallons of diesel fuel, of which 6,554 gallons were pumped out before the tug went down.
WATCH: Drone footage shows Bella Bella tug boat diesel spill
With bad weather moving in Wednesday afternoon, a decision was made not to weigh down the tug with anchors so it would not move in a storm. No responder had sufficient anchors or blocks that would be able to completely weigh down the tug.
Michelle Ward with Kirby Offshore Marine, the owner of the sunk tug, confirmed to Global News the spill response continued despite the storm Wednesday night, even though small boats were stood down for the day. Shoreline cleanup and wildfire crews are expected to resume their work today after also being stood down due to weather on Wednesday.
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The winds are expected to ease in the area today as a weakening system moves inland and a weak ridge of high pressure builds along the coast. The next approaching system will bring increasing winds and more rain tonight and Friday.
Wednesday night, reports broke that one of the response vessels took on water and sank in Seaforth Channel, next to the wreck of Nathan E. Stewart.
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But Michelle Imbeau with Canadian Coast Guard told Global News the vessel took on water, but did not sink.
“There were no injuries sustained to the two crew on-board and the vessel was safely towed to shore,” said Imbeau.
The oil-spill response has caused scorn and condemnation from the Heiltsuk First Nation residing in the area. Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett has repeatedly called the response of the industry, federal and provincial governments “wholly inadequate,” saying the efforts have been impacted by slow response time, a lack of boats, appropriate equipment and personnel.
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