Derelict Vessels in Cadboro Bay – an Update
On January 16, I wrote about the need to deal with derelict vessels in a timely manner. In particular, I discussed the situation on Cadboro Bay beach where a number of derelict or abandoned vessels were washed up in the intertidal zone. At the end of that post, I reproduced a copy of a letter I sent to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Below is the response I received to my letter.
Response from Minister Thomson
Reference: 219643
February 5, 2016
Andrew Weaver, MLA
Oak Bay-Gordon Head
219-3930 Shelbourne Street
Victoria, British Columbia
V8P 5P6
Dear Dr. Weaver:
Thank you for your letter of January 13, 2016, regarding the beached derelict vessel Pacific Sun King located in the upper inter-tidal zone of Cadboro Bay.
As you may be aware, dealing with problem vessels and structures on Crown foreshore is a complex, time-consuming and costly job that can involve multiple agencies and levels of government depending on the circumstances. In this case, the Canadian Coast Guard has spent a considerable amount of time attending to this vessel to ensure pollutants have been removed. The Coast Guard is confident that they have mitigated any pollution concerns and have suggested that Transport Canada’s Receiver of Wreck program take over as this is now under their jurisdiction.
Communications between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Environment Emergency Response Officers, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and representatives from the Municipality of Saanich took place in mid-December to explore options for removing the vessel from the beach. Collaborative work is ongoing to find a solution and to determine the precise timing for the removal of this vessel.
In fall 2014, the ministry worked with federal agencies to complete a public information document and staff technical guide that clarifies roles and responsibilities when dealing with problem vessels. Provincial and federal agencies are continuing to coordinate efforts to deal with problem vessels and structures on Crown foreshore on a priority basis, those that pose an immediate threat to navigation safety or the environment are top priority.
The province is committed to continue to work with federal agencies, and others, to seek ways to improve the management of problem vessels.
Sincerely,
Steve Thomson
Minister
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One Comment
Please simply treat boats like cars; register them and require insurance if on the water. Ensure that registration must transfer with ownership. This will prevent “generous” boat owners unable to sell from dumping them on “homeless” folks. If they wash up on a beach, the last registered owner has to pay. Treat them just like cars….it seems simple to me. Any boat of a specified size should have a registration number (as partially required now)
and proof of insurance to be legally permitted on the water. If you can’t afford registration or insurance….then you certainly can’t afford a cleanup…..and can’t afford to have the vessel.
It’S the irresponsible deadbeat owners that give their boats to the “dreamers” that are often the real problem…..they know where the boats will
end up. Simply treat boats like cars….