The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) says a partially sunken barge in West Vancouver carrying a variety of fuel storage containers has been refloated.
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) said it was called of the area of Sunset Beach on Wednesday with reports the barge, which is also carrying a fixed hydraulic crane, was sinking.
The Coast Guard said crews were deployed to contain the “semi-submerged” 30-foot barge with a boom.
Crews arrived on scene Thursday night and began salvage operations, the CCG said.
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The CCG added that its crews remain on site and are working with the barge’s owners to “ensure an appropriate environmental response.”
The B.C. Ministry of Environment said that divers stabilized the barge on Thursday afternoon.
It said a “minor amount” of non-recoverable sheen is visible within the boomed area, and that some small pockets of oil amounting to less than five litres was recovered.
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The ministry said an overflight of the area Thursday morning showed no pollution outside of the containment booms or on the shore.
The DFO said the barge is now alongside a dock in near Sunset Beach, and that it will be towed under escort to Port Moody on Thursday evening for assessment and necessary repairs.
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