Classification
- Incident Type: Near capsize
Vessel Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Ocean Hercule |
| Vessel Type | Tug |
| Flag State | |
| IMO Number | |
| Gross Tonnage | |
| LOA (m) |
Incident Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | 2003-11-09 |
| Location | Port of Trois-Rivières, Quebec |
| Region | Canada |
| Fatalities | 0 |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Missing | 0 |
| Cargo Loss | |
| Investigation Body | |
| Direct Damage | |
| Economic Damage |
Key facts
- The TSB MARSIS occurrence row says Ocean Hercule was westbound in the Port of Trois-Rivières towing the barge Laviolette. [1]
- As the barge changed direction, the tug listed dangerously; a later TSB appendix characterizes the event as girding and a near capsize. [1][2]
- MARSIS records zero deaths, zero minor or serious injuries, and zero missing persons. [1]
- An earlier TSB report labels the same occurrence number Ocean Echo II, so the tug identity remains disputed. [3]
Narrative
On 9 November 2003, Ocean Hercule was westbound in the Port of Trois-Rivières, Quebec, towing the barge Laviolette. The TSB MARSIS occurrence summary states that the tug listed dangerously as the barge changed direction. A later TSB appendix describes the tug as having girded and nearly capsized while towing the barge. [1][2]
The MARSIS consequence fields record no deaths, minor injuries, serious injuries, or missing persons. The available sources do not describe the crew's response after the list developed, any damage, or the tow's subsequent disposition. No standalone investigation report was located.
The vessel identity is not fully reconciled. MARSIS and the 2019 appendix name Ocean Hercule, while a 2010 TSB report's footnote labels occurrence M03L0137 as Ocean Echo II. The later matching sources are used for the page title, but the earlier official conflict remains visible. [1][2][3]
Sequence of events
| Date/time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2003-11-09 | Ocean Hercule was westbound in the Port of Trois-Rivières towing barge Laviolette. [1] |
| 2003-11-09 | As Laviolette changed direction, the tug listed dangerously and nearly capsized. [1][2] |
Contributing factors
| Factor | Evidence status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in the barge's direction | Reported | The MARSIS summary states that Ocean Hercule listed dangerously as Laviolette changed direction. [1] |
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada records M03L0137 in its public MARSIS occurrence data and in Appendix B of report M18P0230 on the later George H. Ledcor casualty. The appendix provides historical context rather than incident-specific findings. [1][2] No standalone report was identified. The conflicting name in M09W0141 remains unresolved. [3]
References
- [1] TSB MARSIS marine occurrence dataset
- [2] TSB M18P0230, Appendix B, p. 34
- [3] TSB M09W0141, footnote 22, p. 10
Related
- Ocean Hercule
- Canada
- Transportation Safety Board of Canada
- Tug Incident Classification
- Girding