On 11/1/1995 , the vessel SEA ALERT (Official Number 816269) was involved in a sank - flooding in NAIN, LABRADOR,.
The vessel, with 4 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 11/23/1995. Weather at the time was reported as clear with winds from the W at 10.00 knots.
On 01 November 1995, while on passage from Ten Mile Bay to John Hay's Harbour in fine clear weather, the "SEA ALERT" struck a rocky shoal and sank rapidly, with the loss of three of the four crew members. The survivor reached the shore after paddling on a wood-and-styrofoam raft for approximately two hours. Despite an extensive search of the area, the other three were not found. They became trapped when the vessel rolled onto her beam-ends, and they are presumed to have drowned. A slight oil patch was noted in the area where the tug sank.
The Board determined that the "SEA ALERT," while navigating an unfamiliar and difficult route at full speed, struck a rocky shoal and sank due to an error in navigation probably associated with a loss of situational awareness. Contributing factors to the accident were the non-plotting of the tug's position and the absence of a bridge resource management regime. The presence of non-essential personnel on the bridge also may have been a contributing factor.