Marine transportation safety investigation M24P0265

Table of contents

    Collision and sinking
    Tugboat Haisla Northwind, barge BSG Lubricator and workboat Triton 1
    Howe Sound, near Squamish, British Columbia 

    The occurrence

    On 18 December 2024, the tug Haisla Northwind was pushing the barge BSG Lubricator when it collided with a workboat (Triton 1) at the Woodfibre LNG site on Howe Sound, near Squamish, British Columbia.

    Following the collision, the workboat sank, causing the sole occupant to enter the water. The occupant was rescued by a nearby vessel and was later treated for hypothermia.

    While the tug and barge sustained no damage, minor pollution was observed, and spill booms were deployed to contain it. The TSB is investigating

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    M24P0265

    Collision and sinking
    Tugboat Haisla Northwind, barge BSG Lubricator and workboat Triton 1
    Howe Sound, near Squamish, British Columbia 

    Photos

    Tug Haisla Northwind (left) and barge BSG Lubricator (Source: TSB)

      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.