SITREP
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’ bulk carrier that sank in 1968, has started to release oil.The situation escalated over (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 Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations. 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. of water.M/V Schiedyk was carrying approximately 1000 tons of grain and pulp when it grounded. Oil type is yet to be confirmed but currently reported as heavy fuel oil—upwelling is estimated at 1–4 L per hour but operations believe this may be increasing. Daily preventative actions are being taken to contain the immediate threats and prevent long-term damage to the environment. The incident public website is live. CCG has on going scheduled Transport Canada National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) overflights of the area. Drone operations continue. Large amount off-shore boom has been placed to assist with heavy fuel oil containment. South of the wreck site deflection booming has been set up.Numerous Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) boom has been implemented across ecological sensitive areas.
Safety
  • Public safety and security
  • Safety of responders
Incident Priorities
  • Maximize response staff integration across organizations.
  • Ensure safety of responders and the public.
  • Ensure a unified response effort to include Federal, Provincial, and Indigenous priorities.
  • Minimize impacts to ecological, socio-economic, and cultural areas.
  • Ensure fluid and efficient incident communication is easily accessible
Incident Objectives
A. Enforcing the emergency zone during operations at the casualty site.

B. Contain upwelling at the source and recover product on-water.

C. Manage waste including debris.

D. Maintain protection strategies within the area of operations as required.

E. Implement hazing, capture, and rehabilitation strategies for impacted birds and marine mammals when a need is identified.

F. Ensure responders have the ability to recover large pollution countermeasure equipment and temporarily store waste and soiled equipment on-site by Jan 15, 2021.
Agencies Involved (either in person or remote)
  • Unified Command – Canadian Coast Guard, Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response and other programs
  • National Environmental Emergencies Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Western Canada Marine Response Corporation
  • Ehattesaht Fisheries
  • Nuu Chah Nulth Tribal Council
  • Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation
  • Hesquiaht First Nation
  • BC Parks
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  • Canadian Wildlife Service


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.

  • Due to inclement weather, all on water operations were halted after boom check. (2021-01-02)
  • Containment boom checked this morning. (2021-01-02)
  • CCG V/L Moorhen and CGE 668 arrived Gold River for crew change. (2021-01-02)
  • Due to inclement weather, all on water operations were halted today. (2021-01-01)
  • 40 bags of soiled organic debris collected. (2020-12-31)
  • CGE 750 PRV III launched in Gold River. (2020-12-31)
  • Soiled boom removal and placing sorbents at wreck site. (2020-12-31)
  • Drone operations conducted over the wreck site. (2020-12-31)
  • 12 bags of oily waste (approx. 300lbs) recovered yesterday before crews stood down due to inclement weather. (2020-12-31)
  • Northern deflection boom taken down and transferred. (2020-12-31)
  • Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) assessments performed this afternoon. (2020-12-30)
  • Bartlett 1 and Sea Truck 1 are circumnavigating Bligh Island to conduct VHF range tests. (2020-12-30)
  • Protective Boom Sticks began to drag and break apart at the wreck site this morning. Tug “Rapid Warrior” has assisted by towing the boom sticks from the wreck site and have anchored them off Kleeptee Creek until a Western Forest Products tug is arranged. (2020-12-30)
  • CCGS Bartlett has anchored in Zuciarte Channel and has assumed the role of command and control at the incident site taking over as On Water Branch Director (OWBD). Responsible for on water oversight, emergency zone enforcement, regular sit-reps to ICP etc. (2020-12-30)
  • PRV III CGE 750 from Kitsilano will replace CGE 753, as vessel needs work done at IOS. ETA unknown. (2020-12-30)
  • CCG V/L Moorhen will replace CCG 777. Moorhen will be launched at Gold River Dec. 31. (2020-12-30)
  • 16 bags (approx. 400lbs) of solid waste removed from the water in the containment boom at the wreck site on Tuesday. (2020-12-29)
  • Seatruck 1 is the incident safety vessel. Rescue Specialist on board. (2020-12-29)
  • CCG 777 damaged one of its sponsons. No crew injuries. Vessel will be removed from water. (2020-12-29)
  • Organic debris removed from apex of containment boom. (2020-12-29)
  • CCG drone operations halted at the site today due to weather. (2020-12-29)
  • Boom stick installation to protect the containment boom at the wreck site has been completed. (2020-12-29)
  • Lines are being replaced on the RoBoom with chain/steel so they last in place longer. (2020-12-28)
  • Boat hauler will be at the Gold River Staging Area tomorrow morning to pull CCG 735 out of the water for tech inspections. (2020-12-28)
  • 29 bags of organic debris collected at the wreck site by 1200h. (2020-12-28)
  • Drone operations continue to observe the containment boom during different tides. (2020-12-28)
  • In the containment area today crews found the oil to be mixing with small woody debris forming clumps that they were able to pick up with pitch forks and shovels. They removed 50 bags of oiled organics; there were no sorbents in the waste removed today. Ops is going to look into the feasibility of using sawdust to assist in recovery that may be useful for a larger release. (2020-12-27)
  • Oil on water has been light today, mostly sheen visible. (2020-12-27)

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.

  • WCMRC beginning to set up at the CCG staging area in Gold River. (2021-01-02)
  • Working on a RoBoom corrective maintenance plan. (2021-01-02)
  • CCG weather proof drone delivered to CCG staging yesterday. (2021-01-02)
  • Stocking personal protective equipment (PPE) at the CCG staging area. (2021-01-02)
  • Accommodations and travel arrangements being conducted for Jan. 6 crew change. (2021-01-02)
  • Internet has been set up at Gold River Staging Area. (2020-12-30)
  • Waste bins going to the Gold River Staging Area today. (2020-12-28)
  • Organizing the boom stick placement for the wreck site to keep organic debris out. (2020-12-28)
  • Office container moved to prepare for the internet installation at the Gold River staging area tomorrow. (2020-12-28)
  • Additional supplies are heading to the Staging Area today with the drone operator replacement. (2020-12-28)
  • Staging manager back in field. (2020-12-27)
  • Logistics working with Ops to procure steel poly line to replace the lines on the RoBoom mooring so they can withstand the weather long term. (2020-12-27)

AIR OPERATIONS

Summary: Weather within the steep mountains that surround Nootka Sound continue to challenge aerial observations. The incident is using both fixed and rotary wing manned aircraft to provide real-time observations to ground crews. Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) is able to quantify and outline the on-water oil. This information is then used to support recovery operations and future trajectory modelling. In addition to manned aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) teams from CCG and industry remain on scene to support individual task forces.

  • NASP overflight estimated 7.5L of product on the water. (2020-12-31)
  • No CCG Helo flights today. (2020-12-31)
  • NASP overflight cancelled today due to weather. (2020-12-30)
  • CCG Helo 443 flight for crew change cancelled today due to weather. Crew will drive to incident site. (2020-12-30)
  • NASP overflight cancelled today due to weather. Attempt will be made tomorrow. (2020-12-29)


BOOM IN PLACE. (2020-12-17)

Coordinates GRS Location Length of Boom (feet) Length of Boom (metres)
49°37.86’N, 126°27.01’W Mooyah Bay 2400 732
49°38.21’N, 126°27.53’W Small inlet NW of Mooyah Bay 250 76
49°38.49’N, 126°31.27’W Ewin Inlet 550 168
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 2650 801
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 250 76
49°36.14’N, 126°37.06’W Santa Gertrudis Cove 800 243
49°38.15’N, 126°30.56’W Upwelling Site Deflection 1000 305
49°38.57’N, 126°28.70’W Anderson Point West 400 123
Total Deployed 10250 3124


OIL RECOVERED

SOURCE Amount
M/V Shiedyk None
Surface Oil 121 total bags of soiled organic waste (Dec 27-Jan 2)

Dec 27: 24 bags

Dec 28: 29 bags

Dec 29: 16 bags

Dec 30: 12 bags

Dec 31: 40 bags

Jan 1 and Jan 2: 0 bags due to poor weather

Dec 26: 60 bags

 

Environmental Unit (EU): UPDATES

Summary: All measures taken by the Incident Command Post are focused on minimizing damages. This risk-based approach to incident management depends on the Environmental Unit, which is comprised of Federal, Indigenous, Provincial and industry technical specialists. This team meets regularly to review and update the ICS 232, a form that documents and prioritizes the Resources at Risk. Operations then uses 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.

  • SCAT contract has been approved. EU working with the contractor, Triox, to determine personnel on each of the (2) SCAT teams and mobilization dates. (2021-01-02)
  • No sea otters or marine mammals were observed within a 1.5 km radius of the discharge site the past two days of observation. Marine mammal monitoring with monitoring and assessment starting up again January 4. There is very little active sheen/oil outside the containment boom so wildlife concerns/risk appear to be minimized/lowered if the current conditions continue. (2020-12-31)
  • Environmental Unit updated the Resources at Risk document. (2020-12-31)
  • EU working on an Aquatic Ecosystem Survey plan. (2020-12-29)
  • The wreck site containment boom has made a big difference with oil sheening observed at the “Cut”. Minimal to no oil sheen observed over the past two days. (2020-12-29)
  • No other marine mammals, birds or terrestrial wildlife were observed in any oil sheen in the past two observational days. (2020-12-29)
  • Sea otter has changed its distribution a little bit away from the “Cut” to the middle of Zuciarte Channel. It looks healthy and actively feeding. If the sheen and discharge continue to be minimal and the otter continues to be healthy, there may be no need to capture the sea otter to remove from the area. (2020-12-29)
  • DFO Marine Mammal has noticed a decrease in the sheen and smell of oil in the “cut” where the sea otter resides. It appears through observation, since Dec. 9, that the wreck site containment boom may be significantly decreasing the product from reaching the “cut”. Observations will continue. (2020-12-28)
  • DFO Marine Mammal conducting a mammal survey and checking on the sea otter who resides within the Bligh Island “cut”. (2020-12-27)
  • A sea otter was spotted in the middle of Zuciarte Channel, across from the “cut” on Bligh Island. (2020-12-27)
  • Pacificus Sampling team has conducted their water sampling today. (2020-12-27)
  • A humpback whale was spotted a few miles south of Bligh Island. (2020-12-27)
Wildlife Observations
Wildlife Species Verified Impacted Observed
Sea Otter 1 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Harbour Seal 1 (Transiting through area. Likely minimal impact)
Stellar Sea Lion 1 (Transiting through area. Likely minimal impact)
Baleen Whale 1


ASSIGNED RESOURCES:

Vessels:

  • CCGS Bartlett
  • CCGS Moorhen (RHIB)
  • CGE 750 (PRV III)
  • CGE 668 (PRV III)
  • MCI Landing Craft and Drone “SeaTruck1”
  • DFO C&P Vessel “Rugged Point”
  • DFO Vessel “Marine Mammal Response”
  • WCMRC – Cortes Sentinel
  • WCMRC – Sentinel 32
  • WCMRC – Sentinel 33
  • Strategic SNRC Hydra Vessel with drone
  • “Rapid Warrior” tug

Equipment:

  • Current Buster 2 (NOFI) – Anchored in “Helipad Bay”
  • Triton 20 Skimmer – on CGE 668 (staged, not in use)
  • Storage Cube – on CGE 668
  • RoBoom: 3300 ft
  • WCMRC – Boom – Total Boom Deployed to Field: 12,900 ft (Updated Dec 23)
    • GRS: 9250 ft
    • Sweep: 150 ft
    • Deflection: 1550 ft
    • Total Boom Disposed of: 2000 ft