Foss to the rescue
Foss Maritime have come to the rescue of a Russian owned general cargo ship after it encountered mechanical problems in rough seas and threatened the coastline of Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia.
The 6,450gt Simushir was on passage from Everett in Washington State to Russia when it reported that a broken oil heater had left the vessel disabled. Carrying 400 tons of bunker oil and 50 tons of diesel, there was concern that the drifting ship could run aground on the rocky coastline of Queen Charlotte Islands threatening an environmental disaster.
Ten crew members were on board the ship and the Canadian Coast Guard responded, despatching several rescue vessels, one report saying a helicopter evacuated the master who had been injured. The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Gordon Reid arrived on scene and started to tow the ship away from the shore but problems were experienced with the towline parting on a number of occasions. A vessel from the United States Coast Guard was also reported as being on scene.
Meanwhile Foss Maritime also responded to the ship’s plight and despatched their 3,000hp twin-screw ocean tug Barbara Foss to the scene. Upon the tug’s arrival a towage connection was made with the Simushir, around three days after the initial breakdown. Steady progress was made at a speed of 5.5 knots, initially towing it in a north-westerly direction away from the coastline. At that time Gary Faber, Senior Vice President Foss Marine said: “At this point, the ship is riding well behind the tug, and the weather and sea conditions are not posing concerns. We expect a steady and uneventful voyage to Prince Rupert.”
The Barbara Foss along with the Simushir subsequently arrived safely at Fairview Container Terminal, Prince Rupert on British Columbia’s north coast in the early hours of the following day. Repairs to the Russian ship were expected to take two days.
By Peter Barker
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