The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 10 December 2014.
Striking and subsequent grounding
General cargo ship Claude A. Desgagnes
Iroquois, Ontario
The occurrence
On , at approximately 2305 Eastern Standard Time, the general cargo vessel Claude A. Desgagnes struck the upper approach wall of the Iroquois Lock in the St. Lawrence Seaway near Iroquois, Ontario. The vessel then crossed the channel and ran aground. No pollution or injuries were reported; however, the vessel sustained minor damage.
Media materials
Deployment notice
TSB deploys investigators to Montréal to assess a vessel that struck the approach wall above the Iroquois Lock in Brockville, Ontario
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Montréal, Quebec, to assess the M/V Claude A. Desgagnés. The vessel struck the approach wall above the Iroquois Lock yesterday in Brockville, Ontario, and is expected to arrive in Montréal around midnight tonight. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M13C0071
Striking and subsequent grounding
General cargo ship Claude A. Desgagnes
Iroquois, Ontario
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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.