Cargo unloaded from sinking barge off B.C. coast as planning starts for move south

A worker is shown pulling rope aboard a barge carrying numerous cargo containers as it sinks in the waters off British Columbia's central coast near Bella Bella in a handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout – Heiltsuk First Nation (Mandatory Credit)

BELLA BELLA — The local First Nation in the vicinity of a sinking barge off the central British Columbia coast says some cargo containers have been moved off the damaged vessel.

The Heiltsuk First Nation says 25 containers from the barge that was being towed by a tug from Alaska to Seattle have been moved over to a secondary barge.

The nation says the listing barge appears to be “floating quite a bit better” with the containers removed, and an assessment is underway by the Heiltsuk Nation, Transport Canada and the operator, Alaska Marine Lines.

The damaged barge still has several dozen containers and other cargo on board, and the Heiltsuk says it is hopeful that both barges could be moved south starting Friday, “if all goes well.”

The barge was reported to be taking on water on Monday, with one corner of the vessel sinking below the water line.

The Heiltsuk has said there is no visible pollution from the barge, but booms have been set up nearby as a preventive measure.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2025.