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Coast Guard won’t remove Viki Lyne II Is looking at measures to reduce environmental risk Craig Spence the chronicle
It’s unlikely the Viki Lyne II will be removed from Ladysmith Harbour by the Coast Guard a spokesperson for Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Pacific Region has told the Chronicle. Communications Officer Dan Bate, responding to questions from the Chronicle, said in an Aug. 11 email that the Canadian Coast Guard will take “reasonable measures to minimize the risk of a pollution incident occurring and will continue to monitor the vessel and area for any changes in condition or risk.” But he adds, “It is important to Ladysmith Orca Swim Club competitors Aileen Humphreys and Faith Knelsen, with Coach Dusan Toth Szabo, note that those measures are uncame back from the Canadian Age Group Championship Swim Meet July 29 to Aug. 3 in Quebec City with likely to include removal of the ship success stories to tell. Craig Spence from Ladysmith Harbour.” The Viki Lyne II has raised concerns of both the Stz’uminus First Nation, which harvests shellfish in Ladysmith Harbour, and the events she swam; Humphreys Despite a stellar perfor- Town of Ladysmith, which is Craig Spence made finals in two of her four mance against competitors concerned over the risk the Viki the chronicle events. three to four years older than Lyne II poses to tourism and rec“I had a great time,” Hum- her, Knelson isn’t ecstatic reational activities. Ladysmith’s Orca Swim club A 2012 marine survey, which was competitors Faith Knelson phreys said of her time in about her results. “It was a and Aileen Humphreys did Quebec, her second crack at good nationals for me,” she commissioned by the Coast Guard, themselves, and their com- the nationals. “It’s a learning said. “I would like to have warned that the hull of the 54 yeardone better.” old trawler is severely corroded, munity, proud at the Canadi- experience.” Having been to the nationals She had set herself the goal and may even be eaten through, and an Age Group Championship Swim Meet in Quebec City once already, she felt better of winning medals in every that the vessel is at ‘immanent’ risk prepared going into competi- event she qualified for. But of sinking. The report said removal July 29 to Aug. 3. Now it’s time for them to set tion this time. Next year she her backstroke kept her from and scrapping of the derelict vessel earning medals in two. would be the only sure way of elimitheir sights at the far end of wants to build on that. “I’m going to train harder Coach Dusan Toth-Szabo nating the risk. the pool again, for the next lap so, hopefully, I make medals was pleased with both swimBate said the Coast Guard is lookin their young careers. Knelson brought home eight next year,” she said. “I’m go- mers. “I don’t know anybody ing for ways of removing 13,000 limedals: five gold, one silver ing to go forward and do a who’s equally good at all four tres of ‘oil and oily water’ from the and two bronze in the ten little better.” See Swimmers, Page 3 Viki Lyne II, in addition to the 20,000
Orcas in the swim nationally
litres of fuel that were removed from the vessel last fall. “Some remaining pollutants may be considered a safety risk, so specialists in pollutant removal – other than regular fuel oil – are being solicited using PWGSC (Public Works and Government Services Canada) contracting support,” his email states. “This work will further reduce the environmental risk presented by the vessel.” Bate also countered information that the Canadian Coast Guard had moved the Viki Lyne II into Ladysmith Harbour. He said the Viki Lyne II was moved from Dunsmuir Island in 2012 by its owner working “with a local contractor” because it was dragging anchor and at risk of grounding. “Arrangements were made by the owner to secure it at Ladysmith Harbour,” Bate said. “There was no contract or direction from the Coast Guard to move or relocate the vessel to Ladysmith Harbour.” He said the Coast Guard will monitor the ship and be prepared to take measures if necessary. “Should the situation escalate, CCG ER personnel are ready to respond with vessels, equipment, and contractors to mitigate any potential impact on the marine environment,” Bate said. As for use and activity on the vessel while it is moored in Ladysmith Harbour, Bate said that’s not within the Coast Guard’s responsibility. “CCG’s mandate with respect of Viki Lyne II surrounds any potential to pollute local waters,” he said. “Other issues, such as use, fall outside the purview of the department.”
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