The TSB Releases Report into the March 2011 Grounding of the Multipurpose Cargo Ship BBC Steinhoeft on the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway near Saint-Lambert, Quebec

GATINEAU, QC, July 17, 2012 /CNW/ - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (M11C0001) into the March 2011 grounding of the multipurpose cargo ship BBC Steinhoeft on the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway near Saint-Lambert, Quebec.

On 31 March 2011, the downbound vessel BBC Steinhoeft ran aground in the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway downstream of St. Lambert Lock. Seaway traffic remained closed for 10 hours until it was refloated by 2 tugboats. There were no injuries or pollution. The investigation found that as the vessel approached the entrance to the narrower section of the channel, it experienced a suction effect that caused it to veer to port. Attempts to counteract the veering were ineffective and the vessel ran aground, blocking the channel.

The report is available on the TSB website at www.tsb-bst.gc.ca.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

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