Unsecured steel rebar through heavy fog
St. John's-based Miller Shipping has pleaded not guilty to charges laid over a fatal accident that killed a crew member on a tugboat off Newfoundland's south coast last year.
The company, as well as captain James Lejeune, are each facing five counts of violating the Transportation Safety Code of Canada.
Lejeune has also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Western Tugger was towing a barge of unsecured steel rebar through heavy fog in May 2013 when a deckhand was struck by shards of a brake drum.
The Transportation Safety Board reported in July that a sequence of events led to the fatality, including the barge listing and then capsizing, with the foggy weather delaying the crew's response.
The tow line soon lifted out of the water, causing a severe strain on the winch and then the shattering of the secondary brake drum.
The matter is due back in court in November.