Another loose barge in Vancouver Harbour.

[Aquaholic]

Nov 19th, 2023. This gets silly after awhile. Don't these barge owners get the same weather warnings that we do?

 

[Aquaholic]

Just in time.

 

[agentaqua]

It does seem odd that there are more than 1 example of barges dragging their anchors onto a beach. Is it a relic or consequence of an unsuitable bottom holding sediment - or a consequence of improper anchoring?

 

[ship happens]

It does seem odd that there are more than 1 example of barges dragging their anchors onto a beach. Is it a relic or consequence of an unsuitable bottom holding sediment - or a consequence of improper anchoring?

It's funny how there isn't a preventative measure until someone gets hurt. Well not so funny I suppose..

 

[agentaqua]

There's more windage on a light (empty) barge. But still - anchors are supposed to hold - as are mooring lines. It'd be nice if the TSB did a review to get to the bottom of the causes - and them implement any necessary changes. Even a battery hooked onto an AIS on the barge would be an asset - as one can set up a geofence and warn responders in time to respond.

 

[ship happens]

Or maybe the anchoring system doesn't actually work. Who knows. Maybe these guys are just tossing out what they think is a proper anchor or anchors. Should be alot more than one in a Harbour. Look at the freighter anchors. They don't seem to have issues

 

[Aquaholic]

It does seem odd that there are more than 1 example of barges dragging their anchors onto a beach. Is it a relic or consequence of an unsuitable bottom holding sediment - or a consequence of improper anchoring?

We are nearing a King Tide, this could have been another beaching with interesting consequences.

 

[Dogbreath]

That part of English Bay is largely mud bottom.

 

[Aquaholic]

That part of English Bay is largely mud bottom.

Great for bottom bouncing, not so much for anchoring barges.

 

[Rain City]

They have the Kits Barge Buoy, I doubt they're throwing out anchors. Maybe snapped rigging?

 

[ship happens]

They have the Kits Barge Buoy, I doubt they're throwing out anchors. Maybe snapped rigging?

I'd say your probly correct. I don't see can buoys on the beach in this topic

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

It's usually the rope coupling from the buoy to the barge (referred to as a coupler) that fails. English bay is great holding ground for ships and barges alike. The ground tackle is usually subject to inspection. With empty barges the sharp angle from the buoy to the height of the barge often creates a chafing point on the coupling. Jon is correct that it was on the Kits buoy and they do not deploy their own anchor, unless its a log barge.