The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 2 March 2022.
Explosion on board
Tug Risco Warrior
Near Mellersh Point in Bute Inlet, British Columbia
The occurrence
On , while the tug Risco Warrior was holding the barge Western Carrier against the dock at Mellersh Point in Bute Inlet, British Columbia, an explosion occurred in the tug’s battery compartment, located in the lazarette. The vessel sustained structural damage, and 2 crew members on board sustained minor injuries.
Media materials
News releases
Poor battery maintenance contributed to the explosion on the tug Risco Warrior in Bute Inlet, British Columbia
Read the news release
Investigation information
M20P0230
Explosion on board
Tug Risco Warrior
Near Mellersh Point in Bute Inlet, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Golam Morshed joined the TSB Pacific region marine transportation safety investigation team in 2019. Mr. Morshed holds a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas, USA. He has over 15 years of experience in the marine industry and has worked as a project engineer for the Department of National Defense in the Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt near Victoria, BC, and as a Senior Marine Safety Inspector at Transport Canada.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.