Malolo Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On November 19, the cargo vessel 'Bering Trader', laden with 200 stacked containers, was strategically relocated to Port John Harbour to mitigate risks from anticipated strong winds. The following day, November 20, a marine response contractor arrived on-site to initiate the transfer of containers onto a receiving barge, while closely monitoring the condition of the 'Bering Trader'. Coordination efforts involved a call with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Heiltsuk Nation, Environmental Emergency Branch (EEB), the marine response contractor, and Dunlap Towing. On November 21, further coordination discussions took place including CCG, Heiltsuk Nation, EEB, and the responsible person in charge of the operation, as the container transfer continued without any reports of pollution or cargo loss. Transport Canada was present to oversee the situation, and the EEB maintained vigilance throughout the operation. By the afternoon of November 23, both the tug and barge received clearance from Transport Canada and the US Coast Guard, allowing them to depart for Seattle. Meanwhile, the 'Malolo' received navigational guidance from BC Coast Pilots while being escorted by the tug 'Daniel Foss' and the Canadian Coast Guard's emergency towing vessel 'Atlantic Eagle'. The response operation included collaboration with multiple agencies, including Dunlap Towing, the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, and the Heiltsuk Nation Marine Emergency Response Team. For further details and visuals, you can view the report here: https://ckpgtoday.ca/2025/11/19/loaded-barge-bound-for-seattle-sinking-off-central-b-c-coast/

On November 18, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m. PT, a barge owned by Alaska Marine Lines suffered significant damage while being towed by the vessel 'Malolo'. The incident occurred in the Fisher Channel, roughly 15 kilometers east of Bella Bella, located about 480 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, British Columbia. The barge began taking on water through a breach in its hull, which was confirmed by dive surveys indicating it had likely struck the seabed at some point during its journey from Alaska to Seattle, Washington. By 4 p.m. that same day, the barge was situated in a precarious position, as adverse weather conditions, including rain and wind, were forecasted for the Central Coast area. In response, the Heiltsuk First Nation's integrated resource management department collaborated with the captain of the 'Malolo' and the Canadian Coast Guard to safely relocate the barge to a nearby anchorage. Precautionary measures included deploying oil booms around the vessel to prevent any potential environmental impact. Despite the challenges, the barge remained stable and was not at immediate risk of sinking. To address the situation further, Alaska Marine Lines dispatched an additional barge to transfer cargo, thereby lightening the original barge's load and facilitating the continuation of both vessels' journeys. It is important to note that the compromised barge was not transporting any food or essential supplies for Southeast Alaska, ensuring that the supply chain for local communities would not be affected. On-scene response efforts included four vessels, among them the tugboat 'Daniel Foss' (IMO: 7638454), with a rotating crew staying in the vicinity throughout the night to monitor the situation. For additional updates and visual coverage, view the complete report with photo here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/us-freight-barge-taking-on-water-near-bc-community-of-bella-bella/