Tugboat sinks near Vancouver, possible pollution

The Canadian Coast Guard is responding with other agencies to the sinking of tugboat George H Ledcor (MMSI 316005495). An oil spill has been reported in the area.

The vessel sank overnight August 13th/14th on the Fraser River near Deering Island, Vancouver. The Coast Guard reported that the tug was towing a loaded barge when it capsized at about 23:00 on Monday.

The City of Vancouver said there is potential for a significant amount of fuel to have been released, with some reports stating that the tug could have had as much as 22,000 litres of fuel on board. A containment boom has been place around the tug.

All crew members were reported to be safe.