The abandoned and decaying Viki Lyne II is finally being towed away for safe dismantling after sitting in Ladysmith Harbour since 2012.
Vancouver, BC—The abandoned and decaying Viki Lyne II is currently being removed from Ladysmith Harbour as part of the execution of a contract tendered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and it will be dismantled in the following weeks.
“We are pleased to see the federal government prioritizing the marine environment not only by removing this derelict boat, but also for its current efforts to develop a strategy to address the risks from abandoned, derelict and wrecked vessels all along our coastline,” says Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance.
Since 2012, the abandoned vessel has sat idle in Ladysmith Harbour, towed into the harbour by Transport Canada from the nearby Dunsmuir Islands. It had more than 30,000 litres of oils, solvents and paint on board until 2014 when two-thirds were pumped off the ship, leaving 13,000 litres of toxins on board.
The Canadian Coast Guard declared in 2012 that the Viki Lyne II “posed a significant, imminent and ever-increasing threat to the environment.” On July 15, Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued a tender for disposal of the Viki Lyne II. The successful bidder was Victoria-based Canadian Maritime Engineering Limited.
“The commitment to remove the Viki Lyne II from our marine environment is a small victory on the long road to a much needed comprehensive approach,” says Wilhelmson. “The status quo is a jurisdictional nightmare, with local jurisdictions bouncing the problem around the coast. Dialogue has finally been turned into action, but more is needed soon to protect our local oceans.”
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About Georgia Strait Alliance
Formed in 1990, Georgia Strait Alliance collaborates with individuals, businesses, and government to protect and restore the marine environment, and promote the sustainability of the Strait of Georgia, its adjoining waters, and communities: www.georgiastrait.org
For more information, contact:
Christianne Wilhelmson
Executive Director
Georgia Strait Alliance
604.862.7579
christianne@georgiastrait.org