The ministries of Justice and Environment this afternoon issued the following update on the Province’s efforts to support the federal government’s response to a potential marine incident off the western coast of Haida Gwaii.

“Late last night, the Canadian Coast Guard was notified that a general cargo vessel, the Simushir, had lost engine power 12 nautical miles NorthWest of Gowgaia Bay, off Moresby Island. Once alerted of the ship being adrift, Emergency Management BC (EMBC) activated its emergency protocols to connect all partners involved and ensure a coordinated response.

“Specifically, EMBC is engaged with its federal counterparts at the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure a co-ordinated response. EMBC is co-ordinating calls with all partners at regular intervals throughout the day to make sure that B.C. is providing all supports possible to help with the federal government’s lead efforts. These will continue until the incident is resolved.

“A B.C. Incident Management Team has been activated, which includes Emergency Environmental Response Officers (EEROs) and other technical specialists. The Province is also contacting its partners in the BC Pacific States Oil Spill Task Force both to notify them of the risk and to ask them to provide mutual aid as needed based on the outcome of efforts to restore power to the vessel.”

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Justice
Media Relations
250 213-3602

Ministry of Environment
Media Relations
250 387-3834