Spill from grounded Kirby ATB threatens BC clam beds Written by Nick BlenkeyOCTOBER 14, 2016 — A Kirby Corporation articulated tug/barge southbound from Alaska ran aground at Edge Reef, in Seaforth Channel near Athlone Island, British Columbia just after 1 a.m. PT, yesterday. Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WMRC) reported that seven crew members had left the vessel and were safely aboard the Canadian Coast Guard response vessel, the Bartlett. The spill threatens dozens of shellfish species harvested in the area, including manila clam beds that provide income of up to $150,000 per year for the community, according to the Heiltsuk. The incident shows the need for improved spill response for the area, the Heiltsuk Nation said, adding it could take up to 24 hours for spill response ships to arrive from Prince Rupert. Response operations (Source:Western Canada Marine Response Corporation)