Watch: Containers From Smoldering Cargo Vessel ‘Zim Kingston’ Drifting Ashore

Officials say that stormy weather keeps hindering firefighters from boarding a container vessel that kept burning near Victoria. During a press conference, Paul Barrett, a planning section chief working closely with the Canadian Coast Guard, said that the situation on the vessel did not change drastically. The crew members kept up their efforts through the night.

He also mentioned that boundary cooling activities were on through the evening, night and morning. No significant changes aboard the vessel Zim Kingston were noted.

The fire on the anchored ship has been reduced merely to a smoulder. On Monday morning, it was declared stable by the Canadian Coast Guard. An emergency zone spanning one nautical mile is in place around it. Multiple response vessels have also been stationed nearby, including a Maersk Tender, an offshore supply vessel.

We’re working with @USCGPacificNW to track the movement of containers from the #ZimKingston. The containers are currently drifting approximately 12 nm east of Vancouver Island on a northwest trajectory, parallel with the island. pic.twitter.com/07segYpZEC

— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) October 25, 2021

Although firefighting and salvage crew members are nearby in hopes of boarding the Zim Kingston, the stormy weather keeps deterring them from boarding the vessel.

#CCGLive – A Coast Guard overflight of the #ZimKingston at 11:30 today shows smoldering but no visible flames in the containers. However, firefighters may find some active fire in the containers once they are able to board the ship. pic.twitter.com/PHjfjf6Fg7

— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) October 25, 2021

Deputy federal incident commander, Mariah McCooey, said that currently, the members are looking at about gusting 30 knots of wind. As it is quite windy and waves are also strong, the salvagers are unable to transfer onto the vessel. So, it is necessary to wait until it is safe.

Amen Brother, get a @RoyalCanNavy or #CCG vessel out there now to monitor the drift. Mark One Eyeball is good. These cans are going to come ashore and will need to likely airlifted out. #ZimKingston has $US 1 Billion dollar P and I (liability) coverage. @Transports_gc is lead. pic.twitter.com/yG5F48Pall

— K. Joseph Spears (@ArcticGuy2) October 23, 2021

Officials are optimistic that crews will be able to board Monday evening when the weather gets better. Barrett said that based on the forecast, a weather window is also expected on the same evening.

Reference: theglobeandmail.com