The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 29 May 2020.
Girding and sinking
Tug Sheena M and barge Seaspan 566
Williamsons Landing, British Columbia
Tug Sheena M and barge Seaspan 566
Williamsons Landing, British Columbia
01 October 2019
The occurrence
On 1 October 2019, the tug SHEENA M, with the loaded chip barge SEASPAN 566 in tow and 2 people on board, capsized and sank while making a turn near Williamsons Landing, British Columbia. The master and the deckhand jumped into the water from the tug. The deckhand, who was wearing a personal floatation device (PFD), swam towards a nearby log boom, climbed on top of it and waited for rescue. The master swam towards the barge and boarded it. Shortly afterwards, a vessel of opportunity rescued the master and the deckhand, and transported them to shore. A minor injury to the deckhand was reported.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: October 2019 girding and sinking of a tug in Williamsons Landing, British Columbia
Read the news release
Investigation information
M19P0246
Girding and sinking
Tug Sheena M and barge Seaspan 566
Williamsons Landing, British Columbia
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- 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.
- 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.