A container ship is back on course to Japan after breaking down near Tofino last week.
Canadian Coast Guard spokesperson Michelle Imbeau confirmed to the Westerly News on Jan. 30 that the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was leading the response to the broken down vessel.
Parks Canada spokesperson Nancy Hildebrand told the Westerly that the ship was believed to be anchored roughly 20 kilometres offshore and outside the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s jurisdiction.
The Westerly reached out to the JRCC for information and Captain Pedram Mohyeddin of the Canadian Armed Forces responded explaining that the situation was “quite fluid” and that an emergency towing vessel was at the scene.
Mohyeddin said the JRCC was advised of engine trouble aboard MV Maersk Santana, 15 nautical miles off the West Coast of Vancouver Island on Jan. 29 around 6 p.m. and that the Emergency Towing Vessel Atlantic Eagle was tasked to assist.
“ETV Atlantic Eagle is now on scene and ready to assist if necessary, along with a commercial tug vessel,” Mohyeddin said via email.
The Maersk Santana is described as a 335 metre, 19 year-old container ship that flies under the flag of Singapore.
Imbeau confirmed to the Westerly News that the ship’s crew was able to repair the engine and the vessel was en route to Japan on Jan. 31.
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