Similar to “Barge Chilling Park” in Vancouver, or 2022’s barge running aground at Macaulay Point, a wood chip barge was discovered to be grounded near Saanichton this week.
At around 10:15 a.m., on Thursday, January 4th, the Canadian Coast Guard received a report that the barge had drifted from its anchorage nearby and was seen headed northbound near Saanichton Bay.
Soon after the report came in, the barge was seen grounded along Lochside Drive, just north of Mount Newton Cross Road.
“We have tasked the Ganges Lifeboat Station to respond and issued a navigational warning to mariners in the area,” said a Canadian Coast Guard spokesperson.
They say they have also been in contact with the owner of the barge, who is sending two tugboats to recover the grounded vessel.
There should be no danger as the owner says that there is no fuel aboard, only wood chips, and the Ganges Lifeboat Station crew that assessed the area saw no evident pollution around the barge.
“Removal of the barge from its current position will depend on tides,” the Coast Guard said.
“The tugs will attempt a removal this afternoon but may need to wait for the next high tide.”
The Canadian Coast Guard says they will continue to oversee the response to this situation until the barge is removed.
