Taking on the derelicts

Bill C64, or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, is expected to become law this summer. It recognizes the responsibility and liability of owners for their vessels and gives Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada wide powers to act when that responsibility is neglected.

One of the first test cases is likely to be Castle Finn, a vessel which ran aground last November in Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island.

Since then, the twin-keeled vessel hasn’t moved despite a massive community effort in the winter. Two fires have since reduced the ship to its hull, but the boat remains stuck on the foreshore.

Contrary to information given out by the Castle Finn’s owner, the Ganges Coast Guard did not assist in bringing the boat to shore and did not grant permission for it to be there.

Driftwood: Read on…