Island Gatherer

On September 13, 1930 this vessel collided with the Second Narrows Bridge and demolished a span north of the bascule. This vessel became wedged under the bridge’s fixed centre span. The tide rose pushing the barge up under the span, knocking it off its supports. The span hung off one side before suddenly breaking free and sinking into the depths of Burrard Inlet. Lawsuits and the bankruptcy of the Bridge company delayed any attempt at repairs. The bridge remained closed for four years. Captain Fred MacFarlane, while in command of the Island Queen in Gordon Channel one mile west of Pine Island BC, with the barge Island Gatherer in tow on December 13, 1936 the tow line parted during a storm in Queen Charlotte Sound. The tug ran alongside the barge suffering damage. The crew lined the side with mattresses so that Captain J.R. Paulson on the barge with his family (wife and two children) could leap on board the Island Queen. This vessel was in tow of the tug Island Queen when the winch on the barge broke and went overboard with the towline. By the time the towline was recovered and the barge crew rescued, the barge disappeared in the darkness and vanished.