Americas News
Valve Problems Contributed To Vancouver Oil Spill
Transport Canada says a mechanical problem with MV Marathassa's piping system valves contributed to the oil spill in Vancouver's English Bay last week, according to local media.
Yvette Myers, regional director, marine safety and security Pacific at Transport Canada, on April 13 told the press that on its own, the oil would have merely leaked into the duct keel of the ship.
"We have found evidence of some mechanical problems with the valves in the piping system…..because the oil spilled into the duct keel and because of this other issue, there was oil inadvertently discharged," said Myers.
Initially it was believed that on April 8 2,700 litres had spilled into the waters of English Bay from the Marathassa based on sensor data and aerial observation, but Canadian Coast Guard commissioner Jody Thomas says this is a "conservative" estimate and a final number – along with the cost of clean up - has not yet been calculated.
While the spill has been completely contained, some migratory birds and waterfowl have been affected, according to Environment Canada; Vancouverites have been warned to avoid nearby beaches until they are deemed safe.
Transport Canada is investigating the Marathassa for compliance; it will also examine the ship's logs and determine how much fuel was originally on board and how much was consumed daily.
Earlier this week the commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard defended the agency's response to a bunker spill saying it was "exceptional by international standards."
