The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was released 22 July 2014.
Capsizing of tow and accidental death
Tug Western Tugger and barge Arctic Lift I
33 nautical miles southwest of Burgeo,
Newfoundland and Labrador
The occurrence
On 10 May 2013, a crew member was fatally injured when the tow winch brake on the Western Tugger ruptured into pieces after the barge Arctic Lift 1 under tow capsized 50 nm off Burgeo, Newfoundland.
Media materials
Deployment notice
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to investigate two incidents that occurred today. The first is an engine room fire aboard the cargo vessel Anticosti and the second is a death aboard the tug Western Tugger. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M13N0014
Capsizing of tow and accidental death
Tug Western Tugger and barge Arctic Lift I
33 nautical miles southwest of Burgeo,
Newfoundland and Labrador
Investigator-in-charge
Chris Morrow has been employed as an investigator with the Transportation Safety Board since 2003, focussing mainly on fishing vessel accidents. Before joining the TSB, Mr. Morrow spent 25 years at sea, most on offshore fishing vessels and the remainder in the oil, gas, and seismic industries. He holds a Fishing Master Class 1 and Master, Intermediate Voyage certificates.
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail 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.