After a fire earlier this month, the Canadian Coast Guard will lead an assessment of the former Queen of Sidney ferry moored in Mission.
The vessel, renamed “Bad Adventure”, became engulfed in flames on May 3 before the blaze fizzled out.
Various agencies, including the Coast Guard, Mission Fire Rescue Service, Mission RCMP, and B.C.’s Ministry of Environment, responded to the incident.
With Mission RCMP’s investigation into the fire now complete, Coast Guard deputy commissioner Marc Mes wrote an update to Mission-Matsqui-Abbotsford MP Brad Vis in a letter on May 21.
“The vessel is no longer an immediate risk to public safety, environment or surrounding infrastructure,” Mes wrote.
He continued: “The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will undertake further assessment of the vessel to determine if there is a risk of pollution or if the vessel is hazardous. The results of the assessment will help inform next steps.”
Mes said Transport Canada, the City of Mission and Matsqui First Nation were invited to attend the assessment.
“The CCG continues to monitor the vessel and the local area for any signs of pollution. The vessel is well secured and stable. Should the situation change and present a hazard to the environment, public safety or local infrastructure, the CCG will respond immediately,” Mes wrote.
Mes says the owners are accountable for the care of vessels under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA), including disposal when it is no longer seaworthy.
“WAHVA also provides additional powers to the CCG to hold vessel owners accountable for impacts to the marine environment, public safety, or local infrastructure,” Mes said.
The update from Mes came in response to a letter Vis wrote on May 6, expressing concerns about possible health risks and environmental impact as a result of the fire.
“As you know, this vessel has been a longstanding concern, and the recent events underscore the need for a clear path forward for its removal,” Vis wrote.
“I recognize the challenges involved in managing derelict vessels and appreciate the work your department has done to date. At this stage, we are eager to understand what the next steps will be to address the remaining risks, particularly around debris, chemical abatement, and the removal of the vessel as soon as possible.”
The City of Mission also called for the removal of the vessel, with council unanimously resolving to ask for swift action on May 6.
