Safe zone created around tugboat wrecks

Safe zone created around tugboat wrecks
A so-called 'safe zone' has been created around the wreck of a tugboat that still remains capsized in the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall.

CORNWALL, Ontario – A so-called ‘safe zone’ has been created around the wreck of a tugboat that still remains capsized in the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall.

Officials with Nadro Marine said Monday the zone extends through the entire area surrounding the wreck, including mooring lines and a safety line running from a barge at the wreck to concrete bridge pillars and the shore.

The zone is expected to be in place until mid-August, though a small channel has been opened along the south side of the river, off the shore of Cornwall Island, to allow traffic to pass.

“For public safety, we are reminding everyone to remain outside of the boundaries to ensure we can efficiently move ahead with salvage of the Lac Manitoba,” said Nadro Marine general manager Jamie Nadrofsky.

Weeks ago the Lac Manitoba and LCM 131 capsized when trying to secure a barge in the swift-moving current.

Crews on‐site continue to monitor river current, along with regular daily inspections for environmental and site safety.

Salvage work on the tugs has been suspended while officiald try to determine how to safely complete the project.

The tugs Seahound and Sharon M I are standing by in the area to assist in response operations if the status of the wreck changes.

The Lac Manitoba is a 64 ft, twin screw, 1000 hp tug.

The LCM 131 is a much smaller vessel.

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