Marine transportation safety investigation M15C0028

Table of contents

    Grounding
    Bulk carrier CWB Marquis
    Beauharnois, Quebec

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 3 April 2015, the bulk carrier CWB MARQUIS went aground in the vicinity of the Pointe Fortier anchorage area below the Beauharnois locks, on the St. Lawrence Seaway, after a large ice floe came into contact with the vessel and pushed the vessel to the shore. The vessel was refloated the same day with the assistance of two tugs. No injuries, or pollution, but some minor damage to the vessel was reported.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    2015-04-03

    Transportation Safety Board of Canada deploys team to vessel grounding in Beauharnois, Quebec
    Québec, Quebec, 3 April 2015 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Beauharnois, Quebec, where the Canadian bulk carrier CWB Marquis is aground. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    M15C0028

    Grounding
    Bulk carrier CWB Marquis
    Beauharnois, Quebec

    Photos

    Image
    Portside image of the CWB Marquis from the bow

      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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.