CAMPBELL RIVER — Coast guard officials and the crew of a tug had to work fast Wednesday night to prevent what could have been a major spill off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.
A barge loaded with 60,000 litres of diesel and gasoline hit rocks and began taking on water in Surge Narrows near Campbell River.
Coast guard spokesman Dan Bates says the coast guard lifeboat from Campbell River raced to the scene to help the tug crew refloat the barge.
The situation was especially dire because Surge Narrows is known for its treacherous tidal flows, with currents running up to 16 knots.
Water was pumped out of the barge and it was refloated and towed off the rocks before being moved to port for repairs.
Bates says none of the oily cargo spilled.
