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Diesel smell and sheen detected on South Vancouver beaches after tug sinks on Fraser River

A tugboat with the capacity to carry 22,000 litres of diesel on board capsized late Monday night near Vancouver's Deering Island, on the north arm of the Fraser River.

How much fuel has spilled still isn't known, however there is a sheen visible in the surrounding waters and the odour of diesel in the air, local residents say.

Beaches along that section of the river, including McDonald Beach Park and Fraser River Park have been closed until further notice and rangers are warning people to keep their dogs out of the water .

"You can smell it," said Vancouver dog owner Kira Whitlock. "I hope it's cleaned up right."

The tugboat — the George H. Ledcor, owned by Ledcor Group — is now moored upside down and submerged across the river at Sea Island.

On Monday afternoon, Ledcor Group tweeted that it was bringing in an additional, larger crane and barge to try and lift the tug on Wednesday.

A diver was also seen at the site. It is not clear whether there are efforts to pump out any remaining diesel.

Containment booms have been place around the overturned vessel and absorbent pads are also being deployed.

According to the Canadian Coast Guard, the 20-metre tug was towing a loaded barge when it overturned at approximately 11 p.m. PT Monday.

Four crew members had to be rescued by another tugboat and are reported to be safe.

The Canadian Coast Guard is the lead responder to the incident. A surveillance flight has been scheduled for this morning and salvage crews with equipment, including a large crane, are on site.

Deering Island, which has several homes on it, is connected via bridge to Vancouver's Southlands neighbourhood, in the southwest section of the city.

With files from Yvette Brend

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