Fines totalling $310,000, have been levied in Prince Rupert Provincial Court in the case involving the Feb. 10, 2021 sinking of the tug Ingenika and the loss of two crew members, one of whom was from Tsawwassen.
“It goes without saying that the incident on Feb. 10, 2021, was a tragedy in which two men lost their lives and left behind families who loved them and who are clearly dealing with unspeakable pain and loss,” Judge N. Purewal said in her Sept. 21 decision. The master and the two deckhands were able to exit the sinking vessel; however, only one was able to swim and climb aboard the life raft. Search and rescue resources located the sole surviving crew member on land 10 hours later. The bodies of the master and second deckhand were also recovered.
And while Bates had only owned the company for six months, such problems clearly existed beforehand, however he didn’t take steps to prioritize safety when he took over the company, Purewal added.