The Canadian Coast Guard is standing down response efforts B次元官网网址渁t this timeB次元官网网址� to the incident involving BC FerriesB次元官网网址� Queen of New Westminster vessel, which discharged 800 litres of hydraulic oil into the water on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
According to the coast guard, the situation B次元官网网址渞emains stableB次元官网网址� and there have been no reports of oil or any impacted wildlife.
The oil discharge took place in the vicinity of the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, caused by the 60-year-old vesselB次元官网网址檚 starboard propeller falling from its propulsion shaft.
B次元官网网址淭his oil disperses quickly in the marine environment and visual inspections by other vessels in the area have not detected any remaining oil sheen on the water,B次元官网网址� said Ritinder Matthew, BC FerriesB次元官网网址� director of media and issues.
The vessel was pulled from service on Sept. 3, causing multiple sailing cancellations on the busy Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen route. The cancellations also rolled into Sept. 4, causing inconvenience for travellers.
Once notified about the leak, the coast guard crews were immediately deployed to assess the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and surrounding areas with remote piloted aircraft systems and by helicopter.
B次元官网网址淪ome non-recoverable sheen was observed around the terminal,B次元官网网址� said Kiri Westnedge, communications advisor for the Canadian Coast Guard. B次元官网网址淭he Canadian Coast Guard notified First Nations and stakeholders, and was prepared to deploy pollution counter measure equipment to protect sensitive areas.B次元官网网址�
A flight over the area between the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and Swartz Bay ferry terminal was also conducted on Sept. 4.
B次元官网网址淣o visible pollution was observed during this flight,B次元官网网址� said Westnedge.
As a result of the mechanical failure, BC Ferries has cancelled all Queen of New WestminsterB次元官网网址檚 sailings up to and including September 30th.
A dive in the early hours of Friday, Sept. 6., located the vesselB次元官网网址檚 propeller on the seabed. BC Ferries said it is planning for its recovery.
B次元官网网址淲e are also working to source suitable spares and have secured a dry dock for later this month. However, depending on parts availability, the vessel could remain out of service for an extended period.B次元官网网址�
BC Ferries said they are doing everything they can to minimize disruptions, including offering additional sailings on the Coastal Celebration and Coastal Renaissance vessels where possible.
B次元官网网址淲e sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this service outage has caused, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers as we work through these repairs. We will continue to keep you and the public updated with any new developments,B次元官网网址� said Matthew.
The coast guard has asked any members of the public who observe marine pollution, to contact them at: 1-800-889-8852.
