The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 8 February 2021.
Dragging anchor and subsequent collision
Bulk carriers Golden Cecilie and Green K-Max 1
Plumper Sound, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia
The occurrence
On , the bulk carrier Golden Cecilie was anchored at Anchorage C in Plumper Sound, British Columbia, with 20 people on board, when it collided with the bulk carrier Green K-Max 1 anchored at Anchorage B, after reporting a dragging anchor due to gusting wind. Following the collision, both vessels’ anchor chains became entangled. With the direction of a pilot on each vessel, and the assistance of two tugs, the anchor chains were disentangled and the two vessels returned under their own power to their respective anchorages and were secured in place. No pollution or injuries were reported, though both vessels sustained damage to their hulls.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: March 2020 collision between two bulk carriers in the Plumper Sound, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Read the news release
Investigation information
M20P0092
Dragging anchor and subsequent collision
Bulk carriers Golden Cecilie and Green K-Max 1
Plumper Sound, Southern Gulf Islands, 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 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.