Working Conditions Aboard the Wilf-Seymour

In an extensive investigation, the U.S. Coast Guard has unveiled that the tugboat 'Wilf Seymour', based in Hamilton, Ontario, accidentally severed four underwater power lines belonging to National Grid on May 1, 2025. This incident resulted in property damages totaling $300,000. At the time, the 'Wilf Seymour', which was towing a 400-foot deck barge, encountered an unexpected loss of maneuverability due to anchor deployment while navigating Canadian waters. Crew members observed that the anchor flukes had sustained damage during the incident. Subsequent to the event, the Marine Safety Unit Thousand Islands was alerted to the severed power lines, which run beneath the water from Clayton to Dark Island. Following a thorough review of the vessel’s logs and an inspection conducted in June, the Coast Guard confirmed that the 'Wilf Seymour' was responsible for the damage. Fortunately, investigators found no evidence of negligence or wrongdoing associated with this occurrence. In response to the situation, National Grid undertook the substantial task of replacing 17,600 feet of underwater cable and conducting repairs to the affected lines between Clayton and Hammond. Power service was successfully restored by May 3, just two days after the incident.

The refloating operation for the stranded barge 'Alouette Spirit' is now underway on the St. Lawrence River, following its grounding on December 25, 2017. The barge was pushed aground by the tug 'Wilf Seymour'. Salvage efforts commenced recently, coinciding with a rise in water levels that may see the barge back in deeper waters as early as next week. Salvors are in the process of lightering the vessel, transferring a portion of its cargo, which consists of 13,000 tonnes of aluminum ingots, to another barge. This operation has received the green light from Transport Canada and the Coast Guard, following approval of a bailout strategy proposed by the barge’s owner, McKeil Marine. After several unsuccessful attempts at salvage, McKeil Marine opted to delay operations until March, aiming to leverage the naturally increasing water levels for a successful refloat.

The barge Alouette Spirit and the tug Wilf Seymour, which have been stranded in Lake St. Pierre near Louiseville since December 25, 2017, will remain in position until the spring of 2024. McKeil Marine, the owner of the vessels, announced that the decision was made due to the current icy conditions that would prevent other tugs and barges from reaching them safely to facilitate the removal of cargo. The Alouette Spirit was transporting a substantial 1,300 tons of aluminum ingots that were en route from Sept-Iles to New York State. Authorities have confirmed that leaving the vessels in place poses no environmental threats and will not interfere with navigation in the area. Additionally, there are no immediate risks of damage to the ships while they remain grounded. For further details, refer to the French report available at: https://www.lenouvelliste.ca/actualites/lalouette-spirit-restera-echoue-jusquau-printemps-a10f9adcf59543bd4bb6df34bbf6571f.

The tugboat 'Wilf Seymour' along with its barge has been marooned in Lake St. Pierre, near Louiseville, since Christmas Day and is expected to remain stranded for several more days. The vessel, managed by McKeil Marine, is taking additional time to evaluate the challenging conditions in the area, which have been hampered by adverse weather and ice presence. To facilitate future rescue efforts, it has been determined that lightening the cargo will be necessary. Currently, the barge is laden with approximately 13,000 tons of aluminum ingots. The 'Wilf Seymour' and its barge, known as 'Alouette Spirit', were en route from Sept-Îles to Oswego, New York, when they ran aground. Previous attempts to extricate the barge from the mud have failed due to its low position in the water. Investigation into the grounding incident is ongoing; reports indicate that poor weather and low visibility on the morning of December 25 contributed to the mishap. Additionally, an electrical malfunction had impacted navigational equipment. While the presence of the tugboat and barge has not disrupted shipping traffic significantly, vessels navigating near the area are advised to reduce speed. For further details, you can view the original report here: http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1075888/wilf-seymour-large-lac-saint-pierre-mauricie.