A barge towed by an American tugboat and headed to the United States reported taking on water while transiting Inside Passage off northern British Columbia, Canada. Officials say the vessel, which has been moved to a safer location, is stable and barge operators are preparing to lighten the.

On the morning of Tuesday, November 18, the tugboat Malolo, operated by Dunlap Towing Co., reported that the barge it wasing was taking on water and had a list. The vessel was located about 300 nautical miles northwest of Vancouver, near Bella Bella, British Columbia, an areaen by the Marine Emergency Response team of the Heiltsuk Indigenous tribe.

The Malolo is a 50-year-old, twin-screw tug a power of 3,420 horsepower. It was towing a barge for Alaska Marine Lines, which departed from Kodiak, Alaska, and was headed to, Washington. The company operates barges that are about 400 feet long and can carry more than 17,000 tons of cargo.

Phot showed the barge with at least 300 shipping containers on board, with several cars placed on top of the containers and tugboats loaded on the vessels.

Heiltsuk Marine Emergency Response team had been monitoring the barge and reported that precautionary containment booms had been set up, though no reports of leakage or pollution been received to this point. The barge was towed into a bay and placed in a more sheltered position, and divers inspected the hull on Wednesday. A spokesperson for theiltsuk Indigenous tribe told Canadian media that the barge sustained damage to its hull, speculating that it may have hit something. However, they also said the barge is and not sinking further.

Alaska Marine Lines told Canadian media that they have arranged for a second tugboat and barge to head to the scene, intending to light the load of the damaged barge. They expect that both tugboats will continue to Seattle with the barges in tow. This operation could face challenges or delays due to high forecast for the area this week.

The Canadian Coast Guard said it is working with the Heiltsuk tribe, Transport Canada, and the tugboat owner to ensure appropriate measures are in place.

Alaska Marine Lines is a vital freight link between Alaska and Washington. The company told media that since the barge was on a southward voyage it was not carrying food or supplies for southeast Alaska and thus would not cause disruptions to the state's supply chains