The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 21 November 2023.
Bottom contact
Oil and chemical tanker Kivalliq W.
Chesterfield Narrows
Baker Lake, Nunavut
The occurrence
On , the oil and chemical tanker Kivalliq W. was transiting toward Baker Lake, Nunavut, and reported making bottom contact with an uncharted object while exiting the Chesterfield Narrows. As a result, the vessel sustained damage on the starboard side. The vessel was cleared to complete its voyage on its own and proceeded to Les Méchins, Quebec, to dry-dock.
No pollution was reported.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: Bottom contact of oil and chemical tanker Kivalliq W. in Chesterfield Narrows, Nunavut
Read the news release
Investigation information
M22C0338
Bottom contact
Oil and chemical tanker Kivalliq W.
Chesterfield Narrows
Baker Lake, Nunavut
Investigator-in-charge
Amélie Boutour joined the TSB in 2022 as a regional investigator with the central region of the Marine branch. She graduated at the marine institute of Quebec in navigation and holds a Master Mariner certificate, issued by Transport Canada. She has more than 6 years of sea experience on Canadian tankers where she mainly sailed in Canadian waters, such as the Arctic. Ms. Boutour also worked as senior marine inspector for Transport Canada in Ottawa and as a search and rescue marine coordinator for the Canadian Coast Guard at the MRSC Quebec.
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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.