This investigation has been completed. The report was released 21 November 2014.
Loss of propulsion
Tug Jose Narvaez with barge TCT 8000
South Arm Fraser River, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 11 February 2014, the tug Jose Narvaez, while towing an empty barge down the South Arm Fraser River, British Columbia, sustained a main engine crankcase explosion. The tug and barge were towed back to the dock and secured. No injury or pollution was reported.
Investigation information
M14P0023
Loss of propulsion
Tug Jose Narvaez with barge TCT 8000
South Arm Fraser River, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
Mohan Raman has been a senior investigator at the Transportation Safety Board of Canada since 2011.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Raman was a ship safety inspector for Transport Canada in British Columbia, performing onboard inspections.
Mr. Raman has 28 years’ sailing experience in the engineering discipline on board a variety of vessels, culminating in his appointment as Senior Chief Engineer and Project Manager with BC Ferries. Mr. Raman is a Certified First Class (Motor) engineer and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bombay University, India.
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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.