Marine transportation safety investigation M23C0305

TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 7 October 2025.

Table of contents

    Person overboard and loss of cargo
    Cargo vessel Sivumut
    Frobisher Bay, Nunavut

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 27 October 2023, the cargo vessel Sivumut was anchored in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut, while transshipping cargo to Iqaluit, Nunavut, using barges and tugs. During transshipment operations, the tug Qimmiq departed the Sivumut while towing the Tasijuaq barge in an alongside tow. The barge carried 24 shipping containers with 1 crew member stationed atop the containers. Shortly after the tug’s departure, the barge listed to port and began to capsize, causing the crew member and 23 containers to fall overboard. Eight minutes later, the crew member was retrieved from the water by the Sivumut crew and then transported to Iqaluit for medical attention. Sixteen containers were later retrieved. 

    Media materials

    News release

    Overloaded barge led to person overboard and loss of cargo

    Deployment notice

    TSB to deploy a team of investigators following a marine incident aboard the general cargo vessel Sivumut in Iqaluit, Nunavut

    Photos

    Image
    Starboard side view of the cargo vessel Sivumut

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.