Working Conditions Aboard the Simushir

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – The Russian container ship Simushir is now on its way back to Russia following critical repairs that were carried out after it experienced a power failure while carrying a hefty load of diesel fuel off the north coast of British Columbia. Michael Gurney, a representative from the Prince Rupert Port Authority, stated that the vessel's defective engine oil cooling pump has been successfully replaced. "The ship will resume its initial course heading north towards Russia," Gurney confirmed on Saturday. "Furthermore, a Russian icebreaker is poised to escort it safely to its final destination." After the vessel became disabled last week, the 10 crew members were instructed to remain aboard to assist with the necessary repairs. Meanwhile, the captain is currently recovering in Vancouver after being airlifted due to medical complications. "The ship’s owners arranged for a replacement captain to fly into Prince Rupert two days ago, and it is under his leadership that the vessel will depart from Prince Rupert harbor," Gurney added. The Simushir was laden with hundreds of tonnes of bunker and diesel fuel when it was left adrift last Thursday near the protected waters of the Haida Gwaii archipelago. Following the incident, a tugboat was dispatched to bring the vessel to port after the tow line from a Canadian Coast Guard vessel broke three times, causing the ship to drift again. The Haida Nation expressed heightened concern regarding the potential environmental impact should the Simushir have made it ashore. Discussions surrounding oil tanker safety along the West Coast are intensifying, particularly with two proposed oil pipelines aiming to connect Alberta's oilsands to British Columbia’s ports.

The Russian-flagged cargo vessel Simushir, which was stranded off the western coast of Haida Gwaii, has safely arrived at Prince Rupert Port. The ship, carrying a crew of 10, docked at approximately 3 a.m. local time on October 20, according to the Port Authority. The successful tow of the Simushir marks a significant moment for maritime operations in the region as the crew is now secure.

In a significant development off the coast of Kiis Gwaii, the operation involving the stranded vessel 'Sinushir' has shifted gears from a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation to a commercial towing operation led by Foss Maritime. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria, alongside the Canadian Coast Guard, closely monitored this transition to ensure the safety of all involved. As of 5:30 p.m. on October 18, the tugboat 'Barbara Foss' successfully reached the 'Sinushir', taking the vessel under tow and maneuvering safely northwesterly, maintaining a prudent distance from Haida Gwaii's western coastline. The ten crew members aboard the 'Sinushir' remained safe throughout the operation. Meanwhile, standby operations from the RCAF Cormorant helicopter, RCAF Buffalo aircraft, and US Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter, stationed at Sandspit airport, have returned to their regular assignments after their critical support during the incident. On October 19, the convoy, now including the 'Barbara Foss', was located north of Kiis Gwaii (Langara Island), progressing eastward at a speed of seven knots, en route to Prince Rupert. At this point, they had moved to the northwest end of Haida Gwaii and initiated their transit into the Dixon Entrance. Approximately 86 nautical miles from Prince Rupert, the vessels were anticipated to reach the port early the following morning. The tugging operation was efficiently supported by the 'Sir Wilfred Laurier', while the 'Gordon Reid' has been released from duty after its preliminary attempts to tow the freighter from the coastline, which were hampered by challenging sea conditions that caused all attached lines to break. Earlier in the operation, a Canadian Armed Forces helicopter from 442 Squadron in Comox successfully airlifted the injured master of the vessel, ensuring prompt medical attention. For further details, view photos and videos of the operation [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dehb-1Ku1Pc) and [here](https://www.facebook.com/Maritime.Forces.Pacific).