On 3/31/1997 , the vessel GULF COASTER (Official Number 331112) was involved in a sank - flooding in KENNETH PASSAGE, B.C.,.

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 7/28/1997 . Weather at the time was reported as clear.

The helicopter accommodation barge "TRAILER PRINCESS" was being moved by the tug "GULF COASTER" to a new logging camp location in Mackenzie Sound, B.C. After nightfall, as the tug endeavoured to tow the barge through the narrow winding channel of Kenneth Passage, the tug struck and grounded on rocks and was holed below the waterline. Another tug in the vicinity towed the undamaged barge to its destination. The "GULF COASTER" sank during attempts to refloat her but was later refloated and brought to Campbell River for repairs. No one was injured but diesel fuel escaped from the sunken tug.