Oil container adrift off Haida Gwaii

A 135-metre Russian oil container bound has lost power off the coast of Haida Gwaii and may run aground this evening. The ship left Everett, Washington, bound for Russia. The ship reported losing power Thursday night. The captain has been injured. The ship is carrying 400 tonnes of Bunker C fuel oil and 50 tonnes of diesel fuel. Tugs have been dispatched from Prince Rupert and Alaska, but it will take them about 20 hours to reach the stricken vessel. The ship could hit ground much sooner. Heavy winds and rains are predicted for the area. Haida Nation has set up an emergency command centre and is posting updates on its website.

We’re carefully monitoring the situation off Haida Gwaii, and actively supporting the federal response. http://t.co/cYk21yeQTC

— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) October 17, 2014

Images of Russian bulk carrier vessel adrift off Haida Gwaii via @MARPAC: pic.twitter.com/ewiefPIiVd

— Black Press BC (@BlackPressMedia) October 18, 2014

#JRCC using @RCAF_ARC 442 #SAR Sqn will helohoist crew from #Simishur. Captain is injured. http://t.co/7gQMtFczPl pic.twitter.com/j12iBYlmHp

— HBMG (@TheNewOcean) October 17, 2014