The SM Busan container ship was being escorted by tugs along Juan de Fuca Strait into Ogden Point early Saturday evening after experiencing mechanical difficulties.
The 15-year-old vessel sailing under the flag of South Korea left Long Beach, California, on Dec. 14, according to vesseltracker.com website. It encountered fuel problems, according to a source in the Coast Guard, and was not running optimally or able to run at full speed.
Under these circumstances, Transport Canada guidelines require such vessels to be escorted by a tug to ensure safe arrival.
The container ship was slowly headed toward Victoria, travelling at about 3.9 knots, Saturday evening.
It was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Ltd. and the owner is listed as Hanjin Shipping, South Korea, according to Baltic Shipping.
The container ship was apparently being accompanied by the Seaspan Raven and Seaspan Eagle.
Seaspan media officials and Transport Canada could not be reached for immediate comment.
It was expected that any mechanical issues affecting the container vessel will be addressed once in port.
