Coast Guard hopes to free tanker that ran aground off Nova Scotia coast

LeBlanc said he and other officials assessed the small tanker from the air Monday, confirming that its hull had not been breached.

“The good news appears to be is that for the moment, there is no risk to marine ecosystems. Obviously, that is why it is so urgent to safely and effectively remove this vessel from its present position,” said LeBlanc.

The Mexican company that owns the ship has been co-operative, he said, adding that it will be responsible for the costs of removing the tanker.

Both the Transportation Safety Board and Transport Canada are investigating, and those probes will be made public.

“I think it’s important for Canadians to understand … exactly how this could have happened, what steps can be taken in the future to avoid exactly this kind of circumstance or potentially one that may have had much more disastrous consequences,” LeBlanc said.

He said booms and other “appropriate preventive measures” are in place around the vessel to protect against environmental damage. The Arca 1 is carrying 15 tonnes of fuel for its engines.

A tow “is the best and safest way to ensure that the vessel is removed with no consequences to the marine environment, and consequence for the women and men who earn their living from the fishery,” he said.

The Montreal-based tanker was en route to Mexico carrying no cargo when it experienced mechanical difficulties. It was headed to Sydney to address those issues when it ran aground.

“If there was in fact malfeasance … those responsible will be held to account,” said LeBlanc.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Coast Guard hopes to free tanker that ran aground off Nova Scotia coast

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