Heiltsuk Tribal Council's post.
Bella Bella community's message re stricken oil tanker in their waters.
For Immediate Release - November 26, 2017
Bella Bella, Heiltsuk Territory
Jake Shearer, American-owned articulated tug and barge (ATB), is in
distress in Heiltsuk waters
Heiltsuk Tribal Council has become aware that Jake Shearer, an
American-owned articulated tug and barge (ATB), is in distress in
Heiltsuk waters about 2 nautical miles south of Goose Island. The vessel
is believed to be carrying a full load of oil products; if so, it may
have up to 10,000 tons of fuel on board.
Preliminary reports suggest that the vessel has lost power and dropped
the barge's anchor. We understand that the Canadian Coast Guard vessel
Gordon Reid has been tasked with an initial response and expects to
reach the stricken vessel around 19:30 with the intention of attaching a
tow line. HTC and our stewardship office are in close contact with
Prince Rupert Coast Guard to monitor the situation.
This ATB is similar to the Nathan E. Stewart, the tug and barge which
ran around in Seaforth Channel last fall, devastating marine resources
when it spilled over 100,000 L of diesel. That response was
complicated by turbulent coastal weather conditions similar to those we
are experiencing tonight.
Heiltsuk vessels, including our Guardian Watchmen, will be on scene as
soon it is safe to attend to the situation in local vessels.
This incident highlights the desperate need for Indigenous-led response
capacity on the central coast. Heiltsuk will continue to push forward
our proposal for an Indigenous Marine Response Centre, and in the
meantime, we will provide an update on this developing emergency
situation as more information becomes available.
Marilyn Slett
Heiltsuk Tribal Council
(250) 957-7721
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Ingmar Lee added 2 new photos.
1 hr · - 942pm Sunday 26 Nov 2017
https://www.facebook.com/ingmar.lee.1/posts/10155005247066835
There appears to be an EMERGENCY developing in in Hecate Straits, just
off the Goose Group. The American ATB tanker, "Jake Shearer," fully
loaded with 10,000 deadweight tons of oil product, appears to be in
trouble about 2 nautical miles south of the Goose Islands. Reports say
that it has lost all power, and is adrift. It is currently blowing 50
knots in Hecate Strait. The Canadian Coast Guard ship, "Gordon Reid"
has been tasked and is steaming towards the stricken vessel via
Fitzhugh Channel and Hakai Pass at 15 knots
Update 17:27 CCG 47', "Cape St. James" underway in Lama Pass at 19 knots
