On 5/1/1995 1, the vessel VEZINA NO. 1 (Official Number 323039) was involved in a capsizes in PORT OF QUEBEC, QUEBEC,.

The vessel, with 2 persons on board, experienced the incident while engaged in regular operations. Fortunately, the ship was able to continue its voyage. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and there was minor pollution.

This incident was officially recorded by Transport Canada on 5/25/1995 . Weather at the time was reported as clear.

On 01 May 1995, the service vessel "VÉZINA NO. 1" was participating in the towing of the "CAVALIER MAXIM" and was assisting the "SERVICE BOAT II". The crew of the "VÉZINA NO. 1", which was on the port quarter of the "CAVALIER MAXIM", hooked the eye of the tow-line over the single towing bitt in the middle of the afterdeck. During the inbound towage toward Louise Basin, the operator of the "VÉZINA NO. 1" tried to turn his boat 180 degrees to port as he intended to let his vessel be drawn backward. When the "VÉZINA NO. 1" executed this manoeuvre, she became girded on her starboard side and was unable to return to the upright. As a result of this and of the momentum of the tow, the "VÉZINA NO. 1" downflooded and capsized. The operator was unable to exit the wheel-house and he lost his life.

The Board determined that the capsizing of the "VÉZINA NO. 1" was initially the result of the manner in which the manoeuvre was attempted. In addition, the tow-line used for the towing operation was too short and the angle between the two attachment points was clearly too steep. Since the eye of the tow-line had been hooked over the towing bitt of the "VÉZINA NO. 1", the crew members were unable to keep control of the tow-line at all times, and they were unable to release it in case of emergency.