Update: Disabled Russian Cargo Ship Reaches Prince Rupert

Disabled Russian-flagged cargo ship Simushir, which was floating off the west coast of Haida Gwaii with 10 crewmembers onboard, has reached a dock in Prince Rupert Port around 3. a.m. this morning local time, the Port Authority said.

The ship was towed to the port by Foss Maritime’s oceangoing tug, the Barbara Foss and has been secured at berth.

The cargo ship lost power late Thursday night off the west coast of Haida Gwaii.

Gary Faber, Senior Vice President of Foss Maritime said that the ship was riding well behind the tug, and the weather and sea conditions were not posing concerns.

The vessel lost propulsion and was adrift when the Canadian Coast Guard’s assets came to the scene. A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 19 Wing Comox evacuated the vessel master to Sandspit, where his care was turned over to BC Emergency Healthcare.

The Canadian Coast Guard said it was taking proactive measures to ensure that an environmental response plan is in place if required.

The following video shows raw footage of the vessel under tow:

World Maritime News Staff, Image: Prince Rupert port Video: Council of the Haida Nation/Youtube