Tow of tanker grounded off Nova Scotia unsuccessful, operations suspended
SYDNEY, N.S. — A salvage team was unable to pull a grounded tanker from a sandy bottom off Cape Breton on Tuesday evening.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says the tow of the Arca 1 was not successful because crews were unable to remove enough ballast water from the ship to increase the vessel’s buoyancy before the high tide started to go down.
The coast guard says the towing has been suspended until the tide and weather co-operate, but it will continue to monitor the vessel.
The Arca 1 ran aground just north of Sydney Mines on Sunday after losing engine power, and its six-member crew was rescued later that day. The vessel is carrying 15 tonnes of fuel for its engines.