Pushing barges in winter is dangerous

Re: “Fuel barge headed to safety, threat reduced to B.C. coast,” Nov. 28. It was surprising to hear that large barges loaded with fuel are routinely being pushed through B.C. coastal waters during winter storms.

I spent a number of years sailing off the B.C. and Alaskan coasts, and at one point was involved in the rescue of the Laymore, a Canadian Navy ammunition lighter loaded with time-expired bombs and explosives that broke its tow when caught in a sudden storm off the Juan de Fuca Strait.

I believe the current method of transporting fuel up the B.C. coast is suspect.

Winter storms are not always predictable, and pushing, as opposed to towing, a loaded barge in heavy seas involves significantly greater direct stresses between the tug and barge. If towing in these conditions can be risky, then pushing is doubly so, and it appears to be a more suitable operation for relatively calm river waters, where it is used extensively.

The fact the barge crew were able to anchor the vessel illustrates just how shallow the water was and how close the barge was to a disastrous grounding. This was a clear and lucky warning that all is not well with this fuel-transportation system, and Canadian authorities must take steps now to protect our shores.

Terry Milne Captain (ret’d.) Royal Canadian Navy Victoria