Workers brave extreme cold to refloat diesel-toting tug in St. Mary's River
Vessel, known as Dispatch II, contains an unknown amount of diesel fuel and lubricant
Crews are making good progress in removing a tugboat from the St. Mary's River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
The Canadian Coast Guard has assumed command of the recovery because the vessel belonged to someone who passed away.
The tugboat took on water Christmas eve while it was docked at the Bellevue Marina.
Coast Guard officer Pamela McLaren told CBC News they have yet to determine a cause, as snow and ice conditions make it difficult to investigate.
The vessel contains an undetermined amount of diesel fuel and lubricant.
McLaren says crews are monitoring the water for pollution, but there have been no signs of any at this point.
"The coast guard's mandate — through the Canada Shipping Act — is to respond to pollution. At this point there hasn't been any pollution reported, though we're on scene and attending to ensure that there isn't any."
Meanwhile, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services placed booms at the mouth of the marina.
If all goes as planned, the boat will be pulled out of the water by a crane later today.
Crews are dealing with a very cold working environment, as well as ice and snow conditions, officials stated.
