Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Sheila Malcolmson is calling for a greater commitment to marine safety along Canada’s coast lines after two tugboats collided and one sank near Nanaimo.
The incident occurred Tuesday, May 24, when the tugs, which were working a log boom, collided and one of them sank in 105 metres of water.
On board the sunken vessel were 800 litres of fuel.
Canadian Coast Guard, Nanaimo Port Authority and Western Canada Marine Response staff and vessels were on the scene quickly. But it is uncertain what environmental consequences might result from the incident.
“I’m thankful for their efforts and relieved no one was injured,” Malcolmson said. “As is the case with any sized spill, we don’t know what damage has been done to sensitive ecosystems.”
The Canadian Coast Guard will monitor the site for the next ‘couple of weeks.’
Ladysmith introduces infrastructure director
The Town of Ladysmith has announced the appointment of Geoff Goodall as its new Director of Infrastructure Services, replacing retiring John Manson.
Goodall will take over responsibility for Public Works, Engineering, Utilities and Parks Maintenance operations.
A Professional Engineer with ‘extensive experience in local government,’ Goodall is coming to Ladysmith in July from the City of Nanaimo, where he has been Director of Engineering and Public Works since 2014.
