Mariner's Park rally brings many together to remember lives lost, call for action to bring more safety to the marine industry

Some of those gathered today at Mariner's Park in Prince Rupert
(from MP Taylor Bachrach's office)

Prince Rupert's Mariner's Park, a place that at its heart is dedicated to those who lived and worked on or by the sea, was the marshalling point for a rally today to remember the lives of two mariners's taken from their families and friends two years ago.

The 11 AM gathering was organized to commemorate the lives of Troy Pearson and Charley Cragg, they were aboard the Wainwright Marine Service tugboat Ingenika on February 11, 2021 when it sank in Gardner Canal,  a third crew member, Zac Dolan was rescued following a search in the hours after the incident. 

The Friday rally found a good sized mixture of family and friends of the deceased, politicians, community members along with representation from the marine towing industry both at the park  and aboard some of the vessels which were stationed just off the docks below Mariner's Park.

The ceremony provided for remembrances of shared times, along with a resolve to continue the push to see more protection for those who work in the marine industry.  

Mr. Bachrach speaking at today's community rally
(image courtesy of the MP's office)

Of those attending todays event was Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach, who has been advocating for improved maritime  regulations  in the House of Commons, he touched on a number of areas of concern as part of his contribution to the event.

“Two years have passed and the federal government has done virtually nothing to address the risks tugboat workers face.  It is unconscionable that despite the loss of two lives and the many reported accidents each year, the Minister has dragged his feet on this issue. 

Too often we see the federal government bow to industry pressure and bring in weak self-regulation regimes, or worse, voluntary programs that don’t work. The mariners who go to work every day on these small tugs deserve no less than strong regulations, strongly enforced.”

Some of the images of today's rally at Mariner's Park
(courtesy of MP Bachrach's office)
click on all above to enlarge

Also on hand for today's rally, were members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union 400,   who joined the call for the Federal Government to address the safety inspection system.

A statement issued by the Labour organization mourned the lost lives of Mr, Pearson and Mr. Cragg and highlighted the frustration and concerns over the lack of attention to the issues of safety for  those who work on the water.

click to enlarge

As we outlined earlier this week, eight safety related charges  under the Workers Compensation Act were introduced at the Prince Rupert Court House against Wainwright Marine Services and Director James Bates.

You can review the latest items of note to towards the sinking of two years ago, as well as those reflecting today's rally through our archive page.