Cargo container removal begins on sinking barge off B.C.’s central coast

BELLA BELLA — A British Columbia First Nation says a barge sinking in waters along the central coast has been moved to a safer location, and containers on the vessel have now been scheduled to be removed.

A statement from the Heiltsuk Nation says after a meeting with Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and the barge operator Alaska Marine Lines that federal authorities have approved the salvage plan to remove 25 containers.

The statement says the removal is scheduled to begin today and last up to five hours, and crews will then hold overnight and reassess the situation on Friday.

The nation had previously said that the removal of freight containers had been delayed due to high winds.

The statement says the next phase of the salvage plan, including how the barge will be transported to Seattle, will still need to be developed and approved by Transport Canada and U.S. authorities.

The barge was being towed by the tug Malolo when it began taking on water on Monday during the trip to Seattle from Alaska, and photos from the scene showed the barge listing on one side.

Marine emergency responders from the First Nation say crews have confirmed the barge is compromised, and the vessel was being pumped out before the process was stopped to prevent disturbing air pockets that are keeping it afloat.

The incident triggered reaction from Heiltsuk leaders about the need for more marine emergency response capacity along B.C.’s coast, adding that it highlights the potential strain on the system if oil tankers are allowed on north and central coast waters.

The response comes after the Globe and Mail reported that Ottawa is considering lifting a tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast in relation to its discussion with Alberta on a proposed new oil pipeline.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 20, 2025.