A Lafarge cement barge has run aground in Esquimalt, B.C. amidst stormy conditions.
According to Transport Canada, the OCEAN GREG tug was leaving the local port at around 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday, towing the empty Metlakatla I, when the towing bridle broke.
The 80-metre vessel then washed ashore between Harrison Island and McLoughlin Point, where it remained stuck on Wednesday afternoon.
“Several water pumps have been arranged to dewater and keep the barge stable, and two tugs are also stationed nearby,” wrote Transport Canada spokesperson Sau Sau Liu by email.
“Transport Canada is working with the barge owner to implement a safe recovery plan for the barge. No further details are available at this time.”
In a statement, Fisheries and Oceans Canada said “there are no safety or pollution concerns” associated with the barge, which carried no hydrocarbons aboard when it ran aground.
No injuries have been reported either.
Crews were aboard the 80-metre vessel on Wednesday morning pumping out water and attaching lines for towing.
Their efforts attracted a number of community onlookers, who filmed their progress with cameras and cell phones.
Global News has reached out to Lafarge for comment.
The Metlakatla I was built in 1967 and is registered to the Port of Vancouver.
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