| Incident: | BLIGH ISLAND SHIPWRECK |
| Incident Start Date | DECEMBER 3, 2020 |
| Location: | BLIGH ISLAND, VANCOUVER ISLAND |
|
Situational Overview |
As a result of a number of sightings of sheening and oiling in the vicinity of Bligh Island / Zuciarte Channel, CCG confirms that the shipwreck of the M/V Schiedyk, a 483 ft bulk carrier that sank in 1968, has started to release oil.The situation escalated between Dec 4-6, and heavy oil was observed on the water and staining rocks on the shoreline. As a result the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) contracted the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) to deploy to the area. CCG has established an Incident Command System (ICS) for this incident, with CCG as the Federal Incident Commander in this Unified command alongside BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation.Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations report that the product is seeping from more than one location and that vessel is resting hull-up in 350–400 ft (100 –120 m) of water. M/V Schiedyk was carrying approximately 1000 tons of grain and pulp when it grounded.Fuel samples have been sent to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Pacific Environmental Science Center (PESC) and Emergencies Science and Technology Section (ESTS) laboratories from forensic chemistry and fate and behavior modeling. Oil sampling test results indicate oil is similar to historical Bunker “C” type. Initial assessments determining the rate of oil upwelling per hour have been revised with new estimates based on waste management metrics. Rate of oil upwelling is estimated at approximately 1 – 4 L per hour, with an occasional increase to approximately 11 – 13 L per hour due to weather conditions. Daily preventative actions are being taken to contain the immediate threats and prevent long-term damage to the environment. The incident public website is updated regularly. CCG has cancelled the Transport Canada National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) flight tasking of the area. Overflights will be scheduled on an as-needed basis going forward. Upwelling is being monitored via Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). Drone operations continue. Large amounts off-shore boom has been placed to assist with heavy fuel oil containment. South of the wreck site deflection booming has been set up. Five Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) booms have been implemented across ecologically sensitive areas. DFO Marine Mammal Rescue are on site and have been monitoring and assessing wildlife around Nootka Sound. Impacts to wildlife have been minimal to date. |
| Incident Priorities |
|
| Agencies Involved (either in person or remote) |
|
Incident Management Team (IMT): UNIT UPDATES
OPERATIONS
Summary: In-field operations to meet incident objectives are using a combination of floating, sub-sea and aerial resources. These resources provide direction daily, and conduct assignments like Aerial Observation, Protection Booming, Wreck Assessment, surface oil collection and recovery, as well as marine mammal and wildlife assessment. Operations staff are working out of Nootka Sound and Gold River, and following integrated Safety, Communications, and Logistical plans. Planning for these tactical operations is risk-based, and determined through a planning cycle. Equipment such as storage tanks/bins, consumable like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sorbents, as well as additional equipment for contingencies, are stored at the incident staging area near Gold River. Weather, remoteness, and a consistent upwelling of oil continue to challenge in-field operations.
- The crane truck will be leaving the site today and returning April 8th. (2021-03-29)
- Atlantic Raven has moved to Mooyah Bay due to weather (2021-03-28)
- No sign of herring spawn (2021-03-28)
- Inventory of boom on the barge was completed (2021-03-27)
- Cypress Creek Logging made repairs to and reinforced sections of the boom sticks (2021-03-27)
- Cypress Creek Logging working on boom sticks today (2021-03-26)
- NI Repeater coverage was tested using handheld radios with positive results. Potential options for back up communications (2021-03-26)
- Atlantic Raven is on-site and has resumed role as On-Water Branch Director (OWBD) (2021-03-26)
- Crews replaced the WCMRC Breco Buoy with the CCG Breco Buoy. Breco buoy is providing ongoing bird deterrence at the site. (2021-03-25)
- Crews on the water will be confirming GPS locations for all anchors deployed in the field. (2021-03-25)
- CCGS Moorhen will take over the tending and maintenance of Breco Buoy. (2021-03-25)
- WCMRC crews will be conducting infield tests of the North Island Repeater coverage today. (2021-03-25)
- Oil-covered plastic float found on the “outer beach” at Yuquot. (2021-03-25)
- VHF 23 working again, as the Repeater panels were cleared of snow. (2021-03-24)
- Cypress Creek Logging on site today to work on boom sticks. (2021-03-23)
- WCMRC crews are deploying snares in the apex of the containment to try and collect the thinner product. This seems to be effective. (2021-03-23)
- 100 feet of 24 inch curtain boom has been used to make temporary repairs to damaged RoBoom. (2021-03-23)
- Atlantic Raven handed over On Water Branch Director (OWBD) to the Moorhen and departed Nootka Sound. (2021-03-22)
- VHF 23 is down, so crews are using 82A. Moorhen will be used for check in and out. (2021-03-22)
- CCG vessels have taken over daily assessment and tending of GRS in the field. (2021-03-21)
- Drone conducted a survey of the wreck site. Unable to conduct overflight at potential herring spawn sites due to wind, but a visual inspection was conducted and no sign of the spawn. (2021-03-20)
LOGISTICS
Summary: This incident has challenged the Incident Command Post to find innovative ways to support responders at the remote incident site while also following COVID protocols. CCG and industry have integrated to bolster the existing communication network in the area to ensure responders have a safe and dependable means to communicate with each other and the virtual Incident Command Post. By cascading private/government equipment throughout Western Canada, responders have the on-water pollution counter measure equipment required. The current lack of tourism in the area allows responders to utilize lodging that had been shut down for the off-season.
- Shipment of Ro Boom arrived at the Staging Area early morning . (2021-03-29)
- RoBoom on the way from Quebec, scheduled to arrive on site on the 29th. (2021-03-25)
- Breco Buoy, berms and bird deterrent devices arrived in staging area. (2021-03-23)
- 400 M RoBoom has arrived in the Staging Area. (2021-03-20)
BOOM IN PLACE
| Coordinates | GRS Location | Length of Boom (feet) | Length of Boom (metres) |
| 49°40.58’N, 126°28.21’W | Cheesish Reserve/Tuta Marina | 950 | 290 |
| 49°40.70’N, 126°28.59’W | Cheesish Reserve NW Bay | 2450 | 747 |
| 49°40.40’N, 126°28.08’W | Cheesish Reserve SE Bay | 1000 | 305 |
| 49°37.42’N, 126°31.02’W | Bligh Island Gap | 550 | 168 |
| 49°38.57’N, 126°28.70’W | Anderson Point | 400 | 122 |
| Total Deployed | 5350 | 1632 |
OIL RECOVERED
(*oil product recovered is mixed with salt water and/or organics)
| SOURCE | Amount |
| Surface Oil* | Cumulative to March 28: 33,109.31 kg |
Environmental Unit (EU): UPDATES
Summary: All measures taken by the Incident Command Post utilize the Precautionary Approach and focused on minimizing damages and maximizing efforts. This approach to incident management relies on the Environmental Unit, which is comprised of Federal, Indigenous, Provincial and industry technical specialists and makes environmental-related recommendations to Unified Command that represents the interests of all contributing Environmental Unit members. An example of an ongoing agenda item for the Environmental Unit is the regular review and update of the ICS 232, a form that documents and prioritizes the Resources at Risk. Operations then use this prioritized list of environmental, economic and cultural sensitivities to build strategies and tactics to prevent damages. These proposed tactics are presented to the Unified Command for approval.
- Sheen was reported at Atrevida fish farm. Area was assessed by crew this morning but no sheen found. (2021-03-24)
- Otter spotted north of the deflection boom by crews. (2021-03-23)
- Pacific herring spawning activity has yet to be observed in Nootka sound. (2021-03-22)
| Wildlife Observations (cumulative from December 10, 2020) | ||
| Wildlife Species | Verified Impacted | Observed in the area near the spill site |
| Sea Otter | 1 | 95 |
| Harbour Seal | 1 | |
| Stellar Sea Lion | 1 | |
| Baleen Whale | 6 Humpbacks | |
| Orca | 10 | |
| Grey whale | 4 | |
| Blue Heron | 1 | |
| Common Murrelet | 1 | |
| Marbled Murrelet | 4 | |
| Mew Gull | 12 | 16 |
| Barrow’s Goldeneye | 12 | |
| Glaucous-winged Gull | 5 | 16 |
| Gulls (mixed species) | 350 | |
| Cormorant | 700 | |
| Bald Eagle | 60 | |
| Wolf | 2 | |
ASSIGNED RESOURCES:
Vessels:
- CCGS Moorhen (RHIB) – On Water Branch Director
- CCG 750 (PRV III)
- CCG 668 (PRV III)
- DFO Vessel “Marine Mammal Response”
- WCMRC – Sentinel 33
- WCMRC barge 200
- SNRC Hydra Vessel (Strategic)
- Tug “W. Pearce” and staging barge Miller 201 and Crane operator
- Cypress Creek Logging
- Sand Buoy Chief
Equipment:
CCG:
Current Buster 2 (NOFI) – Anchored in “Helipad Bay”
Triton 20 Skimmer – on CGE 668
RoBoom: 3300 ft
Curtain Boom 1200 ft
Breco Buoy
WCMRC:
Boom Deployed to Field: 6350 ft
- GRS: 5350 ft
- Deflection: 1000 ft
- Total Boom Disposed of: 2000 ft