VIDEO: Unmoored barge runs aground at Vancouver seawall

(UPDATE: Nov. 15 @ 4:40 pm) - The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) says it is aware of the barge that was adrift in English Bay this afternoon and is now grounded near Sunset Beach.

"The barge owner has been contacted and they are planning to retrieve it at the first available opportunity," explained a statement from the CCG.

The CCG added that the owner is responsible for securing, salvaging and arranging a tow for the barge.

"Coast Guard is not aware of any persons onboard nor any risks of pollution. It has been confirmed that there are no hydrocarbons on board," the statement said.

"Coast Guard crews from Kitsilano base have been on the water near the barge ensuring on-water scene safety."

(Original story: Nov. 15 @ 2:40 pm) - It has felt like an apocalyptic 24 hours in British Columbia, as an atmospheric river has pounded the southwest portion of the province with heavy rain and wind.

While most of the attention has appropriately been focused on severe flooding and highway closures due to landslides, a bizarre incident in Vancouver caught some eyes this afternoon.

Runaway barge coming into English Bay!!!! @GlobalBC @50ShadesofVan @KyleTWN #BCStorm #BCWind pic.twitter.com/LuJlWWsRAk

— The Home Selling Homo (@best_vancouver) November 15, 2021

That’s where an unmoored and unmanned barge got loose in English Bay and started drifting towards one of the busiest areas of Vancouver.

Residents caught the frantic action on video as rough seas pushed it towards the Burrard Street Bridge and False Creek.

Better angle… pic.twitter.com/bgMh3gZbix

— Jorge Amigo (@AmigoJor) November 15, 2021

If it passed under the bridge and made its way into False Creek, it could have been a disaster, but fortunately the barge had other ideas.

The choppy conditions in English Bay instead pushed it towards Vancouver’s seawall, where it eventually came to rest near Sunset Beach.

Decided to head down to Sunset Beach since there was a break in the rain. And I had to see the barge #vancouver #englishbay pic.twitter.com/Nem2v09gfX

— Liz Hume (@HumePainter) November 15, 2021

That’s where the barge has been sitting since shortly after 1 pm today, with intense waves continuing to pound the seawall and pin the barge in place.

At this time, it is unclear who is responsible for the barge or whether there is any cargo on board.

Barge, broken loose and washing ashore at the Seawall near Sunset Beach. @VancouverSun #vancouvernews pic.twitter.com/QhYRAiiVxy

— Derrick Penner (@derrickpenner) November 15, 2021

The Canadian Coast Guard told NowMedia that it is aware of the situation and is currently tracking down information regarding the incident.

NowMedia will update this story once more information is available.