CHI-CHEEMAUN

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Latest news

Damage being investigated after fire in shipyard

The operators of the 'Chi Cheemaun' were assessing the damage in the wake of a fire that broke out at a Thunder Bay shipyard early on March 12. The Owen Sound Transportation Company – an agency of the Ontario government – hasn't indicated whether or how the fire will impact the operation of the ferry between Tobermory, Ontario and Manitoulin Island this season. According to the current posted schedule, she is supposed to start this year's sailing season on May 6. The ferry was brought to Heddle Shipyards in October 2021 for her mandatory five-year safety inspection. The Thunder Bay Fire Rescue was called to the scene at 2:20 a.m., and found a fire in the ship's boiler room. The initial attack was made by staff on board. There was extensive damage to one of the ship's boilers and to the electrical equipment, but no other machinery was affected. On March 14, the Owen Sound Transportation Company said the cause of the fire was still under investigation. The vessel will undergo further examination and equipment-testing, after which OSTC will provide more information.

Fire in Thunder Bay

A fire broke out in the boiler room of the 'Chi Cheemaun' in the morning of March 12, 2022, in the port of Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay Fire Rescue was called to the berth at 201 Shipyard Rd. at about 2:20 a.m. Light smoke was observed upon arrival, leading to a second alarm being called to bring five pumpers to the scene. The fire crews located the fire in the boiler room. The initial attack was made by staff on board the ship, who managed to knock much of the fire down. The fire was then brought under control using carbon dioxide extinguisher. The boiler room received extensive damage to one of the boilers and the electrical system. All fire damage was held to the room of origin with very light smoke in other areas of the ship which was cleared by the ships ventilation system. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Open tiebraker caused ferry service disruption

The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) cancelled the "Chi Cheemaun"’s first trip on June 6, 2017 but the ferry was back in action for the second trip of the day. An electrical storm took out the shore power, and when that happens, a tiebreaker in the engine room popped open. When the tiebreaker opened, it opened with such force that it jammed and could not be closed. There was a power surge when the power went out. The open tiebreaker prevented the vessel from being able to feed any power - shore- or ship-generated - through the ship. The crew had to remove the tiebreaker, get it out of the jammed position and then put it back in place, and then test it to make sure it was not damaged and worked properly under operating conditions. The work was finished and the sea trial occurred at about 11 a.m. on June 6 and the ferry went back into service with the 1:30 p.m. departure from Tobermory.