Marine transportation safety investigation M16C0036

This investigation has been completed. The report was released on 12 October 2017.

Table of contents

    Capsizing and sinking
    Tug Ocean Uannaq
    Champlain Bridge, St. Lawrence River, Montréal, Quebec

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 01 April 2016, the tug Ocean Uannaq, with two people on board, capsized and sank near the new Champlain Bridge on the St. Lawrence River off Montreal, Quebec. The tug was working with two other tugs to move a construction barge toward the shore. Both crew members were rescued. There were no injuries or pollution reported. The tug sustained major damage.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    2016-04-12

    TSB launches an investigation into an occurrence involving the tug Ocean Uanaaq at the new Champlain Bridge construction site
    Québec, Quebec, 12 April 2016 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is launching an investigation into an occurrence involving the tug Ocean Uanaaq. The Ocean Uanaaq capsized and sank on 01 April near the new Champlain Bridge in Montréal, Quebec.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    M16C0036

    Capsizing and sinking
    Tug Ocean Uannaq
    Champlain Bridge, St. Lawrence River, Montréal, Quebec

    Photos

    Image
    Image of the Ocean Nigiq, sister vessel of Ocean Uanaaq
    Image
    Side view of excavation barge
    Image
    Image of the forward end of Ocean Catatug 1
    Image
    Image of the tugboat Ocean Uannaq after being raised

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.