This investigation has been completed. The report was released on 17 August 2017.
Collision and sinking
Tugs Albern and C.T. Titan
Northumberland Channel, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 24 May 2016, the tug Albern, with 2 people on board, reported being struck by the tug C.T. Titan. The tug Albern subsequently sank in Northumberland Channel, British Columbia. The tug C.T. Titan recovered the 2 crewmembers of the tug Albern from the water. Approximately 800 litres of diesel fuel and 200 litres of hydraulic oil were reported to be on board of the tug Albern.
Media materials
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team to Nanaimo, British Columbia, following a collision between two tug boats
Richmond, British Columbia, 26 May 2016 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Nanaimo, British Columbia, where the tug Albern sank after being struck by the tug C.T. Titan in Northumberland Channel on 24 May 2016. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M16P0162
Collision and sinking
Tugs Albern and C.T. Titan
Northumberland Channel, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
Zillur Rahman began his career as an engineering cadet and currently holds a Transport Canada Class-1 (Motor) Certificate of Competency. In his 25 years of experience as an engineer, he has held several positions both sea-going and shore-based, with such companies and organizations as: Neptune Orient Lines (now American President Lines); Mediterranean Shipping Company; Barber Ship Management; and BC Ferries. His experience includes work with tankers, chemical tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and roll-on-roll-off passenger ferries.
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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.