Lafarge cement barge salvage

The people of Oak Bay and surrounding areas had some unexpected entertainment with the grounding and salvage of Lafarge's’ cement barge near the Victoria Golf Course. Normally marine incidents happen away from populated areas.
The Warrior towed by the, Inlet Rover, went aground in Enterprise Channel sometime around 17:00 on December 31st. We understand there was a 20 knot westerly wind when the tug and tow entered Enterprise Channel northbound. Evidently the barge clipped the outer part of Mouat Reef, damaging the skegs. The small two man tug could not control the barge and despite their best efforts the barge ran aground.
The hull sustained one large opening in the bottom of the hull and several small ones. Of course other damage in the form of dents was inflected on the hull plates.
Three tugs tried to get it off the rocks without success. The barge was holed and taking on water. Small tugs from Victoria brought personnel and equipment. Temporary repairs were made and salvage pumps were put aboard. There was no sleep for the Seaspan personnel as they tried to save the barge before the wind came up. While pumping and patching was started there were three smaller tugs standing by. A barge, DM 60 was brought alongside to transfer the bulk cement cargo. Pumping had ceased by the January 3rd. Hatches were sealed and air was pumped to the hull to float the barge on the next high tide. The salvagers were fortunate that no severe S.E. winds came up though there was a bit of swell on Saturday morning. The Seaspan Cavalier was anchored in the channel in case the smaller barge had to be removed.
The vessel was freed on the morning of January 4. There was some urgency as a SE Gale warning was forecast for the evening. The barge was slowly towed to Esquimalt by the 1800 hp tug Seaspan Cavalier. The Seaspan Foam and Rocket assisted. The barge was down by the stern but seemed to tow properly.