The stricken Russian cargo vessel Simushir is being towing to the Canadian port of Prince Rupert.

A statement from the Joint Pacific Task force said the operation had transitioned from search and rescue to a commercial towing operation.

The Foss Maritime oceangoing tug the Barbara Foss has taken over towing the vessel and on Sunday was 86 nm from Prince Rupert

“The vessels are expected to be in the vicinity of Prince Rupert early tomorrow morning [Monday], depending on weather conditions and assuming tow operations proceed well, as they had overnight,” the statement said.

The Russian vessel lost power on 17 October and its Master was evacuated by helicopter for medical attention. The other 10 crew members remain onboard the vessel.