Latest News
The gangway at popular fish and chips barge buckled on July 9. Investigating agency, WorkSafe BC, reports no serious injuries. Cooperation amongst agencies and bystanders shows Canadian spirit at its finest.
Photo by Chung Chow
Co-operation foremost as gangway gives way
Thirty people were marooned on a barge in
Steveston harbour July 9, when the gangway to Pajo’s Fish and Chips bent in
half, dipping the middle section into the water.
Of the six people on the walkway at the time,
an observer told the Sentinel photographer, two had scrapes and bruises.
The call came in at 2:55 p.m. BC Ambulance
Service says and they dispatched two ambulances. They took one person to
hospital.
Richmond RCMP spokesperson Dennis Hwang noted
the spirit of cooperation, “There was a good response by a number of different
agencies.” He calls it “a very coordinated effort.”
In an official statement it was clear that the
RCMP are not investigating because there was no criminal activity suspected.
WorkSafe BC is investigating and said in a
statement July 10, “WorkSafeBC attended the site this
morning. The incident occurred yesterday and there were no injuries. An
Inspection Report is being written by a WorkSafeBC Prevention Field Services
Officer. It will indicate if there were any violations of theWorkers
Compensation Act or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation,and if
any orders will be issued.”
According to the Steveston Harbour Authority,
they do not own the gangway and thus are not responsible for its inspection or
maintenance.
A statement on Pajo’s website said in part, “We
are working with appropriate groups to determine the cause and will remain
closed until further notice. Our thoughts are with those injured and we wish
them a speedy recovery. We want to thank our staff, patrons, and local first
responders for their quick response in assisting those who were on the ramp at
the time.”
According to someone on scene, the culture of
cooperation extended to bystanders on the shore who pitched in, finding planks
to use as a make-shift gangway to rescue the people marooned a few metres
offshore on the Pajo’s barge.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
