Woodfibre LNG site boat crash caused by safety gaps, TSB finds

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released a report identifying safety gaps that led to a December 2024 collision near the Woodfibre LNG site in Squamish, B.C. The accident involved a tugboat pushing a barge and an idling workboat, resulting in the sinking of the workboat and the rescue of a crew member treated for hypothermia.

The investigation found that the tug master’s visibility was obstructed by structures and compromised by glare from construction site lighting. Additionally, the workboat pilot was unaware of the tug's approach, as there was no communication regarding the tug's arrival. The TSB noted that while hazards like glare were known at the operational level, they had not been formally assessed or mitigated, and communication protocols between contractors were insufficient.

Since the incident, operators near the Woodfibre LNG site have implemented improvements, including enhanced lookout and communication procedures and restricting barge movements to daylight hours.