TSB finds Iqaluit barge capsized due to overload and unclear procedures; new safety measures introduced to prevent future accidents.
Overloaded Barge Capsized in Iqaluit Waters
On October 27, 2023, a barge near Iqaluit’s port tipped over, sending a crew member and 23 shipping containers into Frobisher Bay. The crew member was rescued unconscious after eight minutes and treated for hypothermia and injuries. Sixteen containers were later recovered from the bay.
Investigation Reveals Critical Safety Lapses
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report on Tuesday, identifying overloading and a lack of proper procedures as key causes. The barge was operating beyond its stability limits, struggling to right itself amid Frobisher Bay’s waves.
Communication Gaps Heightened Risk
The TSB found that although NEAS Inc., the barge operator, had a plan outlining safe cargo limits, it was not shared with the crew and remained onshore. The company lacked formal procedures for handling, loading, and securing cargo, leaving crew members to rely on past experience. Overloading and insufficient staffing contributed to the incident.
Inadequate Safety Equipment Complicated Rescue
Investigators noted that the crew did not have adequate life rings or gaffs for water rescues. The rescued crew member’s personal flotation device worked, but three people were needed to haul him onto a container. Heavy work clothing added weight, hindering flotation. The report recommends flotation suits or jackets with thermal protection for similar operations.
New Safety Measures Introduced
Following the incident, NEAS Inc. implemented a loading guide, added a safety manual to Transport Nanuk Inc.’s system, and installed Jason’s Cradle recovery devices on each tug boat. These measures aim to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Ongoing Salvage Efforts
One of the remaining seven missing shipping containers was located by a contractor in 2024. Transport Nanuk Inc. plans to continue salvage operations in August 2025, though results have not yet been reported.
