The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 10 October 2023.
Loss of steerage and grounding
Roll-on/roll-off ferry Confederation
Caribou, Nova Scotia
The occurrence
On , the passenger and vehicle ferry Confederation, with 217 passengers on board, sustained a rudder failure and grounded while leaving Caribou, Nova Scotia. The vessel refloated and, with the assistance of the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Cape Spry, returned to the dock in Caribou.
Safety Communications
Safety advisory letter
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: Loss of steerage and grounding of ferry Confederation in Caribou, Nova Scotia
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB has deployed a team of investigators following the grounding of the ferry MV Confederation near Caribou, Nova Scotia
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 5 September 2022 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed a team of investigators following the grounding of the ferry MV Confederation that occurred yesterday near Caribou, Nova Scotia. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M22A0312
Loss of steerage and grounding
Roll-on/roll-off ferry Confederation
Caribou, Nova Scotia
Investigator-in-charge
Jason Melvin is a marine engineer with over 25 years of experience in the marine field. He joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada in early 2021. During his career, Jason worked for the Canadian Coast Guard from 1995 to 2007 on vessels operating on the east coast of Canada from the Bay of Fundy to the Beaufort Sea. After a stint with Atlantic Towing from 2007 to 2008 as Chief Engineer and Offshore Supply Vessel Superintendent, Jason joined Suncor. Between 2008 and 2021, he held the positions of Marine Advisor, Marine Operations Supervisor and Marine and Air Team Leader. In addition, while still employed with Suncor, Jason was actively involved in internal incident investigations, progressing from SME to Senior Investigator. Jason was also Suncor’s representative in the joint operators’ response to the offshore helicopter safety investigation recommendations.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 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.