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Cargo ship refloated after running aground in strong Prince Rupert winds

Officials in Prince Rupert have refloated a cargo ship after it broke free from its berth at port. The powerful wind storm also causing widespread power outages and saw roofs damaged. Catherine Urquhart reports. – Nov 25, 2021

Officials in Prince Rupert, B.C., say they have refloated a cargo ship after it broke lines in strong winds and became grounded on Digby Island.

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The Prince Rupert Port Authority said the MSC Altair broke free from its berth at the Fairview Container Terminal around 2 p.m. Wednesday.

“Multiple tugs have refloated the vessel and it is now under its own power and will be moving safely to anchorage,” the port said in a statement.

“No injuries have been reported. Initial reports indicate no significant damage to the vessel and no indications of marine pollution are apparent.”

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Prince Rupert, along with the remainder of the North Coast and Haida Gwaii were under Environment Canada wind warnings, with southerly winds of 90 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h in the forecast.

Residents were warned of possible damage to buildings and the potential for loose items to be tossed by the wind.

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“These very strong and damaging winds will ease over Haida Gwaii and north coast … late this afternoon, but will persist over central coast … and northern Vancouver Island through tonight,” Environment Canada said.

As of 4:30 p.m., BC Hydro said more than 600 customers in Prince Rupert were without power.

The incident comes a month after more than 100 cargo containers were lost from the MV Zim Kingston near the mouth of the strait of Juan de Fuca during a powerful storm.

The majority of those containers remain unaccounted for.

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