Agency investigates fire aboard freighter in river
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the fire that happened in the engine room of a lake freighter that was on the Detroit River near Windsor.
A team of TSB representatives went onboard the Tecumseh — a 195-metre cargo ship — at its current dock off Maplewood Drive on Tuesday.
TSB spokesman Dean Campbell said the team will gather information and assess the incident that happened Dec. 15, when the bulk carrier was in U.S. waters near Zug Island.
“(The investigators) are beginning their data collection and documenting of what has gone on,” Campbell said. “They will be looking to photograph the site and speak with witnesses.”
Campbell said it’s too early in the investigation to estimate how long it will take.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a fire broke out in the ship’s engine room Sunday afternoon. A
U.S. Coast Guard cutter, response boat and helicopter were all sent to the Tecumseh’s location.
The ship’s 16 crew members were safely evacuated with no injuries reported.
The disabled vessel eventually drifted to the Canadian side of the Detroit River.
There were no reports of pollution. Vessel traffic on the Detroit River was not affected.
Built in 1973, the Tecumseh is a Canadian cargo ship now owned by Lower Lakes Towing Ltd.
At the time of the fire, the Tecumseh was en route to Windsor from Thunder Bay. It was carrying canola seed, which has a high oil content, according to the Windsor Port Authority.
The Transportation Safety Board is an independent organization that investigates transportation incidents, whether they occur in the air, in marine situations, on pipelines or on railways.
The board does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.