A Russian cargo vessel, the Simushir, was rescued and towed to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, over the weekend by the Barbara Foss, an oceangoing tug owned and operated by Foss Maritime, Seattle.
The Simushir had lost power off Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia, last Thursday. A Canadian coast guard vessel, the Gordon Reid, had attempted to tow the disabled vessel but three tow lines parted before the Barbara Foss arrived and secured its towline.
The Simushir was reportedly carrying about 300 containers and bulk cargo from Washington to Russia when it lost power. Fuel on board included about 400 tons of bunker oil and 50 tons of diesel.
The Barbara Foss arrived at the Port of Prince Rupert, B.C., with the Simushir in tow early Monday morning, Oct. 20. Two assist tugs and a pilot met the vessel and helped the ship dock.
Gary Faber, Foss senior vice president, said his company had been working very closely with the Canadian Coast Guard and the Joint Rescue Coordination Center to successfully manage the situation.
The 4,300-hp, 126'x35' Barbara Foss has been towing barges between Prince Rupert and Whittier, Alaska, so it was in the area. For several years, the tug was stationed in Neah Bay, Wash., as a rescue tug under contract with Washington's Department of Ecology.
